I used the traxxas way. I got 3 1/2 gallons before total motor meltdown! I'am a motorcycle mechanic and in my 5 years of turning a wrench I've never seen a connecting rod spilt down the middle like that! When I tore it down and saw the destruction all I could do is laugh!
I just had the same thing happen to mine. I was out running it and it just died and would not restart. I tore it down and my connecting rod was slit right down the center too. I was lucky enough to have a spare laying around from an old 2.5R. Good luck with it.