rookie question here...

Dan's Motorcycle "Power Valves"

Power Valves


Most if not all the two stroke race bikes sold now-a-days have a power valve in the exhaust port. A power valve is just a piece of metal that moves down and covers part of exhaust port making it smaller. Big ports mean big horsepower, but they also mean narrow power band. By making the port smaller, the power valve helps make the power band wider. It does this by keeping more of the fuel mixture in the cylinder, and out of the exhaust pipe, at lower RPM.


Honda CR250 Powervalve Open.

Honda CR250 Powervalve Closed.




Honda CR250 Powervalve Open.

Honda CR250 Powervalve Closed.




The power valve should be closed at Low RPM and Open at High RPM. The Power Valve does this with centrifugal weights (Governor) that over come spring pressure and move the Power Valve Linkage. The linkages usually are spring loaded. This is to close them at low RPM. Each manufacturer has a different way of moving the power valve. Everyone has different linkages, different styles of Governor, and different ways of adjusting them. Check your Shop Manual !
In general, the big thing to remember on power valves is that they are closed when the engine is off. That is when you adjust them. In the closed position. On Hondas and Yamahas there usually is a small hole in the cylinder and a hole or goove in the linkage arm. Adjustment is done by putting a rod, of the right size, in both holes, locking the power valve closed. Now loosen the adjusting bolt on the linkage arm, then tighten it. With Kawasakis you must align the punch marks on the exhaust valve gears with grooves on the Valve Operating Rod. On Suzukis there's a spring to set preload on (one turn). this ensures the exhaust valve returns to closed when the Governor releases pressure on it. Power Valves have a lot of parts in them. When you first disassemble them for cleaning a shop manual will be invaluable.
Also remember that these things require regular maintenance to remove carbon. On most Race bikes that means cleaning and readjusting them every seven (7) to twelve (12) hours of running.
If you have a steel cylinder liner, and not a plated cylinder, you can bore the cylinder to a bigger oversize. If you do so, you will need to grind the Power Valve a bit so it will not hit the new, oversized piston.

http://www.dansmc.com/powervalve_hon250.JPG
Honda CR250
http://www.dansmc.com/powervalve_kaw1.JPG
Kawasaki KX125
http://www.dansmc.com/powervalve_suzy1.JPG
Suzuki RM125, 250
http://www.dansmc.com/powervalve1990.JPG
Yamaha YZ125
 
and its also one of the reason why a yz 85 motor is better than a blaster motor lol just another one of the things us blasty owners miss out on
 
there is many kinds of power valves.
they are normally RPM dependant. meaning they move with rpm change.
they are used to change the exhaust port timing
 
it is hard to find a good dt200 jug. and you just cant install a powervalve onto any jug, they are not a bolt on part, they are part of the jug.
and there is a thread about the power now thing. some say it works some dont, but everyone says they cost to much for what it is.
it is suppose to help with intake velocity at below half throttle.