In 2-stroke engines (such as those that equip most racing karts), the muffler plays a decidedly important role. In fact, in addition to extracting exhaust gases and dampening noise based on its length and geometry, it also influences performance. How? By adjusting the harmonics and optimizing the flushing and exhaust stages that allow the replacement of the combusted mixture with the fresh one (to learn more, read “Technique | The muffler - how it works” and “Technique | The muffler - the adjustment”). If the muffler is compromised, for example if it is clogged or leaking, its ability to generate pressure waves is impaired and engine performance is drastically reduced. Therefore, it is most important to take good care of this component and subject it to proper maintenance. For this reason, we have selected seven useful tools and products (among them, caustic soda) for the routine management of the exhaust, for its cleaning and to avoid running into unexpected problems while on the track… how? Read.

Editor’s Note
How to best manage the muffler of your Shifter/Direct Drive/MINI kart? Find out in the following articles:

• Expert advice | Real tricks and falshoods for perfect exhaust maintenance
• Expert advice| Exhaust for KZ engines: characteristics and tricks to optimise performance
• Expert advice | 60 Mini and single-speed exhausts with a hose. How they affect performance

N.B. Do you think there are other products that can be added to this selection? Don't hesitate to share them with other TKART users in the "Contributions" section at the end of the article. The community will be grateful to you!