All engines draw air into the cylinder for combustion and expel the spent gases through an exhaust system. Exhaust power valves improve two-stroke engine performance by managing exhaust-port timing to maintain optimal throttle response and power delivery at any engine speed.
Video transcript: Maximize Power in Your 2-Stroke Engine
Featuring John Gardner, ASE Master Certified technician, automotive technology instructor and host of Motorhead Garage, with AMSOIL Director of Product Marketing Len Groom (author profile).
John Gardner: Two stroke engines need lubrication just like your four strokes do, but we do it a bit different. We actually mix the gasoline and the oil together. Welcome to this AMSOIL tech tip, two stroke cycle. How does it work you ask?
Great question. Take a look at this right here. You can actually see it in action. What’s going on here is you have two strokes, the pistons either going up or down.
I’m gonna make it simple. When the pistons going up, opposite of compression is vacuum. So on this side, we’re actually pulling the fuel in. Now what’s going on?
Fuel and oil because there’s no oil down here in the sump, so that’s massively critical and the oil is massively critical to lubricate the parts. Now the next stroke, it’s obviously on its way up. When it’s on its way up, we cover up the intake port and we’re pushing everything out using a transfer or bypass tube to get it up there and get it out. So both of these, they have to be lubricated and they have to be lubricated all the time.
Len, all two stroke oils are not created equal, are they?
Len Groom: That’s correct. Especially at AMSOIL, we formulate the two stroke oils for the needs of that equipment. So, if we’re talking about a string trimmer or handheld commercial lawn and landscape type of equipment, Saber is formulated specifically for those. It has a very high dose of anti-wear. It’s gonna be able to provide top notch protection from a lubrication standpoint. Deposit control is critical because these machines run extremely, extremely hot.
John Gardner: And also, you know, you think about two strokes, weed eaters, dirt bikes, even outboards are still two strokes.
A lot of that gets stored, that’s a big problem too. We’re storing them for a while and and breakdown and just the fuel and issues and it’s just hard to start.
Len Groom: Right. One of the biggest complaints we get or maybe you even know this is that the weed eaters don’t start. So what we’ve done is we’ve built a stabilizer into the Saber Professional product to take care of that. So as long as you’re mixing the Saber in your gasoline, you’re stabilized and protected.
John Gardner: Well, no doubt. I’m gonna get the Saber and you can too. You can buy it directly off their website at AMSOIL.com
Why exhaust power valves matter.
Small exhaust ports increase air velocity, which translates into improved power and throttle response at low rpm. However, small ports cannot move enough air as engine speeds increase, leading to reduced high-rpm performance. In other words, a narrow exhaust port will be more powerful launching the machine from a stop but lack top-end power. Large exhaust ports create the opposite effect, reducing low-rpm air velocity, throttle response and power, but increasing top-end power.
To solve this problem, engineers designed variable valves for two-stroke exhaust ports that change size relative to operating conditions. Adjustable exhaust power valves were introduced more than 50 years ago. Early examples included the Yamaha Power Valve System (YPVS) and Rotax Adjustable Variable Exhaust (RAVE). Some riders generically refer to all exhaust power valves as RAVE valves.
How exhaust power valves work.
Two-stroke exhaust power valves are designed to dynamically adjust the exhaust port size in response to varying engine speeds. At low engine speeds, the power valve covers a portion of the exhaust port, creating better low-rpm performance. The valve retracts as engine speed increases, creating a larger exhaust port to maximize high-speed power.
Older mechanical exhaust power valves relied on air and spring pressures to open and close depending on operating conditions. Though not as tunable as modern technology, they were extremely reliable. Modern exhaust power valves monitor engine-speed and throttle-position data electronically and continuously adjust the port size for optimal performance.
Exhaust power valve challenges.
Minimal force is used to activate power valves, so even moderate restriction can render the valve inoperable and periodic maintenance becomes necessary to maintain peak performance. Because the power valves are located within the exhaust stream they are exposed to high temperatures and a constant flow of contaminates. The combination of carbonaceous material, unburned fuel and oil residue can form deposits on power valves, restricting their movement.
Two-stroke engines burn oil during combustion and the exhaust gases can reach 1,000ºF (538ºC), making them extremely sensitive to oil quality. Low-quality oil doesn’t burn cleanly, causing excessive deposits to accumulate on the power valves. Eventually, these deposits get thick enough to cause the valve to stop moving, greatly reducing engine power and performance. Snowmobile manufacturers recommend that valve cleaning be performed at least annually and at most every 1,000 miles. Engines subjected to extensive idle or operation at continuous low speeds may require more frequent valve service.
Additionally, modern two-stroke engines are primarily found in off-road and racing vehicles, including snowmobiles, dirt bikes and go karts, so the importance of power valve maintenance has become an afterthought for many.
Spend more time riding.
Discoloration and deposits are normal, but exhaust power valves should move freely with little or no resistance. Hard, dry carbon is worse than soft, oily deposits. Use AMSOIL Power Foam to dissolve accumulated residue and a non-metallic brush to remove deposits without damaging the valve surfaces.
To reduce maintenance and help maintain peak engine performance, AMSOIL INTERCEPTOR® Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil burns cleaner to inhibit deposit formation, prevent valve sticking, maximize engine performance and extend maintenance intervals.
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David Hilgendorf is an AMSOIL Technical Writer who develops content for automotive, powersports and industrial audiences. His work includes technical data sheets, magazine articles, blog posts, white papers, product literature and application guidance. Hilgendorf works with engineers, laboratory personnel and technical specialists to communicate lubricant testing, product performance, maintenance practices, metalworking fluids, grease, motorcycles, marine equipment and industrial reliability.
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