Choose the language.
TKART magazine Doctor TKART | Replacing the reed valves
Exclusive Content

Replacing the reed valves

TKART Staff
07 March 2016
The reed valves have an internal engine component, but their replacement is very simple. Follow the Tkart “doc” to find out how
alt
time 20 min
difficulty Easy
Advertisement

The reed valves are placed in the front part of the engine block and perform the function of regulating the flow of the mixture within the cylinder. Physically they are made of thin carbon (or Vetronite) petals, whose opening and closing is regulated by the pressure generated inside the crankcase. When is it necessary to intervene to replace them? Let’s say that the main indication is that there must be some broken reeds and a loss of power throughout the engine’s rev range. Another clue is finding that the engine remains unaffected by any carburetion changes.

NECESSARY TOOLS
ALSO: The tools necessary for this operation are minimized. Of course, these must be added, a new slat kits and seal kits (carburetor, conveyor and vane). If you want to overdo it, a torque wrench.
HEXAGONAL 5 MM ALLEN KEY
CROSS-HEAD SCREDRIVER
alt
1
STEP
5 MIN

The replacement of the reed valves can also be done with the engine installed on the kart, but in order to work more comfortably the “doctor’s” advice is to remove it from the chassis, especially the first time you carry out this work autonomously.
The first step is to remove the four screws that secure the suction conveyor: to do this you need to use a 5 mm Allen key, preferably a “T” key. Next, you can extract all reed valves from the conveyor-pack with your hands and separate it into its various components.

1. Unscrew the 4 fastening screws
alt
2. Pull out the conveyor-pack unit
alt
3. Separate all the different components
2
STEP
10 MIN

Now you can proceed with the actual replacement of the reed valves: with a cross-head screwdriver ensure the four screws (on each side) that fasten the stopper are completely unscrewed, in other words the reed valve limit. Once this is done, you can remove the reed valves and the carbon reinforcements on both sides. Take, the kit composed of reed valves, reinforcements and new sealing gaskets and prepare the assembly phase.

4. Remove the four screws that fasten the stoppers
alt
5. Prepare the new reed valves for mounting
alt
Continue reading the article by subscribing for only 0.96 € / week
1
Explore these and many other
premium contents
Go to Magazine