What are the Symptoms of a Bad RAVE Valve on SeaDoo 951?
Rave valves are a part of the exhaust system of an engine. The full form of this valve is Rotax Adjustable Variable Exhaust. This Rave valve widens the power band of the Rotax engine and helps the engine rev up.
It raises up the engine port and then gives a higher power and top speed to the rotax engine.
If the rave valve of your Rotax engine starts going bad, it fails to rev up the engine as usual. In this article, you will find out the unusual signs and SeaDoo 951 rave valve symptoms for when the rave valve goes bad.
What are the Symptoms of a Bad RAVE Valve on SeaDoo 951?
When the rave valve is going bad on your engine, it will show a few specific symptoms to let you know about it.
The main symptom of a bad rave valve is that the engine loses power and RPM. Stuck rave valves, water flow restriction and carbon buildup are some of the other signs of it.
Symptom 1: Less Engine Power
When the rave valve is bad or damaged somehow, the engine tends to lose RPM. Because of the bad rave valve, the exhaust valve of the engine gets lower.
As a result, the revs by the engine are lower and it provides a lower RPM constantly unless the valve is open.
When the valve is open, to reach a higher RPM or speed takes a long time. But the speed can abruptly increase once the exhaust port is higher.
In such circumstances, the high RPM persists even when the engine is about to die.
So, if you notice the engine getting less power, it might be one of the core symptoms of a bad rave valve.
Symptom 2: Rave Valve is Stuck
Another symptom of the rave valve going bad is it sticking open or close. Both of the situations can be considered as a bad rave valve sign.
When the rave valve is stuck in an open position, the idle will cause problems. The mid range idle will seem very flat and you will feel that the idle is stuck.
In case the rave valve is stuck close, the engine might lack power. Despite achieving a high RPM, there will be less power provided to the engine.
Symptom 3: Oil or Carbon Buildup
There could be a buildup of oil or carbon in the rave valve which is a sign of a bad rave valve. Under the diaphragm caps, oil might pool around and affect the rave valve.
Similarly, dirt and carbon might also accumulate on the valve. Any of these can get the rave valve stuck and damage it.
Possible Causes of RAVE Valve Failure on SeaDoo 951 Engine?
There are not many reasons for which the rave valve of your Seadoo 951 is affected negatively. Only a few situations and causes are at fault for a rave valve failure on SeaDoo 951. The possible causes are-
- Dirty rave valve
- Incorrect rave valve installation
- Carbon buildup inside the rave valve
- Accumulation of oil under the caps
- Aged springs, gaskets or bellows.
- Stuck rave valve
How to Diagnose SeaDoo 951 Rave Valve Failure?
In order to diagnose the SeaDoo 951 rave valve failure, you will need to conduct certain tests. Two of the tests you can conduct are a RPM test and water flow restriction.
Restricted Water Flow
A bad rave valve can restrict the water flow of the Seadoo. In order to test it, start the Seadoo under the water first.
There is a line which starts from the regulator to the pipe. Locate this line in the system and then unhook it.
Now, keep increasing the RPM of the Seadoo and notice the rate of the water flow.
If you see that the water flow is restricted in the system, it is the clear sign of a bad rave valve. Otherwise, you will get a normal rate of water flow.
Failed RPM Test
In order to figure out a damaged rave valve, doing a RPM test is a good idea. To test it, you need to remove the springs and caps off the rave valve. Then ride the Seadoo until it reaches 6900 RPM.
Next, remove the pulse line from the side of the solenoid and start the motor.
If you receive either positive or negative pressure, it indicates the rave valve is bad. The same result is achieved if you get a vacuum instead.
Replacement and Repair Costs of SeaDoo 951 Bad RAVE Valve
The repair costs of SeaDoo 951 rave valves can vary depending upon a few factors.
It depends on the type of kit you are choosing and the location you are making the purchase from. On average, the repairment costs of SeaDoo 951 rave valve is like:
| Rave valve repair kit | Price |
| Rebuild Repair Kit All 947 951 DI Models | $17.95 |
| SBT Rave repair kit | $25 |
| Power RAVE Valve Cap Spring Clip Repair Rebuild Kit | $34.95 |
If you need to take the SeaDoo 951 to a repair shop for servicing, it will cost around $300-$600.
Tips for Maintaining the SeaDoo 951 RAVE Valve to Prevent Future Failures
Maintenance is absolutely mandatory for a healthy SeaDoo 951 rave valve. If you keep your rave valve clean and maintain it accordingly, it will last you a long time.
Just make sure to follow a few simple things in order to prevent future failures of the rave valve on your SeaDoo 951.
- Inspect the rave valve thoroughly every couple of months.
- Clean the entire rave valve at least once a year.
- Decarbonize the rave valve annually to maintain it.
- Adjust the carburetor to idle and make sure it runs smoothly.
- Use a good quality ash oil in the system,
- Get rid of the unburnt fuel or excess carbon from the rave valve.
- Maintain a proper fuel to air ratio in the engine.
FAQs.
You will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the SeaDoo 951 rave valve in this section. After reading this part, you will be aware of all you need to know about a bad rave valve on SeaDoo 951.
How Does A Rave Valve Work?
The rave valve works in two methods. When the valve is closed, the engine receives a high compression ratio. It results in a good lower end response and low RPM. On the other hand, when the rave valve is opened, the engine achieves a high RPM. Thus, the valve provides more power to the engine.
How Often Should I Inspect the SeaDoo 951 RAVE Valve?
You should inspect and check out the SeaDoo 951 rave valve once every two months. Upon inspecting, if you find anything wrong with the rave valve, do the proper maintenance for it. It is necessary to clean the rave valve at least once every 50 hours.
What Should I Do After Detecting A Bad Rave Valve?
The first thing you should do after you detect a bad rave valve is to clean it properly. Purchase a rave repair kit to fix any damages to the rave valve. Align the rave port with the opening by turning the base around. If you notice black residue leaking, replace the rave valve.
How To Clean The Rave Valve On SeaDoo 951?
To properly clean the rave valve on SeaDoo 951, you have to disassemble the valve completely at first. Remove the gasket, base and o ring from the assembly. Use carburetor cleaner and 400 grit paper to remove all of the dirt and carbon buildup in the system. Assemble the valve back in the exact order you disassembled it again.
Final Words
In conclusion, the Rave valve is an essential component of the exhaust system of a Rotax engine. If the Rave valve fails, it can cause symptoms such as less engine power, a stuck valve, and oil or carbon buildup. The possible causes of Rave valve failure include dirty valves, carbon buildup, and oil accumulation. To diagnose a SeaDoo 951 Rave valve failure, you can conduct tests such as a water flow restriction test and an RPM test. Repair costs of SeaDoo 951 Rave valve vary, but maintaining the Rave valve by cleaning and decarbonizing it can help prevent future failures.
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