Best resource for maintaining/tuning Rotax engine?

Eric Withers · Joined: 03 Dec 2004 Posts: 52

Hello,

Wanted to know what the best resource is for maintaining/tuning Rotax engine. Me and my brother are new to karting and just purchased 2 karts. Since we're buried in snow, we figured we should do all we can in the off season to understand the karts.

I figure we'll learn alot from trial and error once the season starts but that could get costly real quick. Are there any books, CD's, etc that we could purchase to help us out?

Thanks
Eric

Philip Johnson · Joined: 16 Sep 2004 Posts: 140

The manual is the best place to start. It lists most of the maintenance and tells you how to use the carb. Some maintenance stuff it doesn't seem to cover so well is the power valve: you need to take it apart after about every two 20 minute sessions or more, and clean all the oil out of the rubber boot, then clean off the metal slide (the actual valve) with brake clean and then put it back togethor so it moves freely. Use orange or black RTV silicone sealant on the exhaust, put it on the manifold, not the pipe and then attach the pipe. Keep the carb and fuel pump clean, keep the water temp around 140 F (in-head temp sensor), make sure you set the throttle so that the slide pulls all the way out of the inlet, but that the cable can't pull past that, if the slide is pulled up to hard it can stick. I bet other people have lots of usefull stuff I forgot.

Nick Weil · Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2005 11:13 pm Post subject:

SpeedQuest has a comprehensive CD that contains:

- All current Rotax Operators Manuals (FR125, Junior, RM-1/DD2)
- Spare parts diagrams (FR125, RM-1/DD2)
- Current Rotax Service Manual
- Current Rotax Sporting Regulations
- Current Rotax Technical Regulations
- Several SpeedQuest Tech Tips (Battery Care, Carb Tuning 1 & 2 and many more)
- On-Board kart videos from Rotax Races

Check it out: http://www.speedquestkarting.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=413
_________________
Nick Weil
Authorized Rotax Service Center and Dealer since 2002
2004 Team USA Rotax Worlds Finals DD-2 Driver

Want to save money AND grow the economy? www.fairtax.org

Mike Adams · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 4:41 am Post subject:

For tuning it you can't beat the Max jet software and a weather pod.
can be seen on www.maxjet.ca
_________________
Thanks

Mike Adams
www.zainostore.ca

Zaino clear seal Wipe on, and walk away, you're done. No buffing. No final wipe down. Simplicity at it's best. Just apply & let dry.

Wesley Shelton · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 5:06 am Post subject:

Eric,

Buy the CD, I did. Most people will tell you here, the manual is way more comprehensive then you might think. Before Rotax, I had zero background doing this stuff and the manual has made it quite easy. It tells you what to do, and more importantly what NOT to do. Do the proper maintenance and the kart will reward you.

The tips you got above were good as well regarding the power valve and maxjet. The latter will cost you a few bucks, but if you're racing it is an absolute must.

Get a notebook, and keep track of the maint that you do as this will make it easier to remember what's been done and so forth. Our team also made a sort of pre-weekend checklist to ensure that we do everything before the karts get in the trailer and not AT the track.

Lastly, use this forum as a learning tool. If you have any issues, do a search of previous topics to see if and what was discussed. Chances are, it's on here multiple times. Also, recognize which guys know their stuff (dealers) and take their words with a little more conviction.

Best of luck, and have fun. Mr. Green

-w

Chuck Schendzielos

Eric Withers · Joined: 03 Dec 2004 Posts: 52

Thanks for the feedback. I just ordered the Speedquest CD. Seems like it should help alot. We already went ahead and purchased the Maxjet software as we've read so many good things about it.

I wish someone locally would give a seminar on the maintainance/tuner workshop on the Rotax. Now that would be awesome! The folks at F1 Boston say they will be running one, so we've got our fingers crossed.

Peter Withers · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 7:12 pm Post subject:

We can definately use all the help we can get... Too bad we're getting another foot of snow on Thursday!!! Crying or Very sad

Joe Rosse · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 8:59 pm Post subject:

Philip Johnson · Joined: 16 Sep 2004 Posts: 140

I put the RTV on the manifold because if it's on the pipe, it gets pushed back into the pipe and creates a little ring of silicone that gets blown into the pipe itself, which is irritating at least and could block up the exhaust at worst. It is a pain to get the bottom, but I make it a little messy to make sure it seals and when I'm done I take off the manifold and clean everything.

Joey Guyon · Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 7:32 am Post subject:

I would also consider the Memo Gidley 2 cycle book. It is great for new karters and even a great refresher for experienced racers. It offers great general setup and mainetance info.

JG