Last Updated on September 17, 2022
R.A.V.E stands for Rotax Automatic Variable Exhaust and every manufacturer has a catchy name for this system. These valves change the exhaust port timming to give you better power at different engine speeds. Lower port timming gives you more bottom end power while high port timming makes more top-end power. Here’s how to adjust the rave valves on your seadoo.
Installing a rave valve kit
One of the most common problems with an off-road vehicle is its lack of throttle response. The problem is caused by carbon and oil residue buildup that prevents the rave valves from opening. The result is a choppy ride and poor acceleration. If you’re looking for a simple solution, you might consider installing a Rave valve kit. The installation process is simple and straightforward, but if you want to achieve the best results, you should carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cleaning the RAVE valve system
Clean the RAVE valve system on your Seadoo at least once a year to maximize the power of your Seadoo. RAVE valves are small metal guillotines that partially cover the exhaust port. By opening and closing them at higher PRMs, you can achieve better peak power and increased top speed. On Rotax engines, these valves are controlled by exhaust pressure, while fuel-injected models use electronic control. Dirty valves can restrict the engine’s performance and can cause a stall. Clean each valve annually.
If your Seadoo has a RAVE valve system, you can clean it manually with a screwdriver. Make sure that the valve base is flush with the black ring on the cap. This will allow you to access the valve’s internal parts. Ideally, you should be able to remove the valve from the shaft without removing the tank, and the adjustment knob should be flush with the retaining ring.
Adjusting the spring rate of the RAVE valves
If you have a new rave motor, you may want to try adjusting the spring rate of the rave valves. You can find out the proper spring rate by checking the rave top end assembly. Ensure that the squish clearance is correct. Usually, the spring rate of the rave motor does not reach its normal operating range for 4 to 5 hours. After this time, the rave motor will operate at its optimal performance level.
RAVE valves are a common way to increase peak horsepower. However, you need to know the actual amount of power they produce. While adjusting the RAVE valve spring rate won’t increase peak horsepower, it will allow you to move it higher. While moving the peak higher will be easier, you will also be affecting the rest of the power curve. The illustration above shows how the power curve looks with the RAVE valve fully open. Notice the peak power it produces at item 6.
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Pat Rowse is a thinker. He loves delving into Twitter to find the latest scholarly debates and then analyzing them from every possible perspective. He's an introvert who really enjoys spending time alone reading about history and influential people. Pat also has a deep love of the internet and all things digital; she considers himself an amateur internet maven. When he's not buried in a book or online, he can be found hardcore analyzing anything and everything that comes his way.