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Remo's Tuning Tips for the KA100


  20 December 2014
 

With the IAME KA100 now able to hit the track for practice, karters around the country are asking for some setup advice to get the best from the new motor.

Below are Remo’s tips that supplement IAME's "Temporary Installation Manual". The final Installation Manual will be available in January.

  • The 33-page Temporary Installation Manual can be downloaded HERE (4Mb PDF)

"We are receiving many phone calls asking for a few basic set-up tips, so to get the best out of the engine here are my tips to get you started" Remo advised KartSportNews.

"Please read these tips in conjunction with the Temporary Installation Manual. My tips override the Manual."

 

TILLOTSON HL-398A Carburettor Settings - KA100 Reedjet engine

J Version - Restricted (19mm)
LOW JET 1 hour & 45 minutes (1 & 3/4 turn out)
HIGH JET 45 minutes (3/4 turn out)

Clubman Version- (unrestricted)
LOW JET 1 hour & 45 to 55 minutes (Just under 2 turns out)
HIGH JET 45 minutes (3/4 turn out)

IDLE SCREW
J Version Restricted (19mm) & Clubman Version (unrestricted)
Screw the idle JET up to around 2,000 to 2,500 RPM this makes starting very easy
Pop-Off Pressure:  8 to 10 PSI
Metering Lever: Level with body

GEARING

J Version - Restricted (19mm)
The engine comes fitted standard with an 11 tooth front sprocket. So a good starting point is the same rear sprocket as you are currently using on your J engine. (Example; if you have 12/78 as your J gearing, the KA100 engine would be 11/78) To work out your appropriate gearing you need to be doing around13,000 RPM + or - 400 RPM, depending on the circuit. It is just simple trial and error.

Clubman Version - (unrestricted)
The engine comes fitted standard with an 11 tooth front sprocket. So a good starting point is the same rear sprocket as you are currently using on your Clubman engine. (Example; if you have 10/78 as your Clubman gearing, the KA100 engine would be 11/78) To work out your appropriate gearing you need to be doing around14,500 RPM + or - 400 RPM, depending on the circuit. It is just simple trial and error.

OIL RATIO 16:1
16:1 is on the safe side as we do not know the quality of oil some customers use or the age of the fuel.

OIL FILTER
You must use a good quality oil on the OIL FILTER. This is because during our testing we found that if you did not oil your filter (being a reed valve engine) the carburettor is mounted in the front of the crankcase which feeds dirt straight into your big-end cage, shortening your bottom end life.

This is the normal procedure of oiling the oil filter on any reed valve engine. It is preventative maintenance and helps you protect your investment.

SPARK PLUG
Cold Weather: NGK 9EGV
Hot Weather: NGK 9.5EGV to 10EGV

RUNNING IN FOR THE FIRST TIME (J and Clubman Version)
My suggestion is to run-in for 30 minutes of 3 x 10 minute sessions.

  • First 10 minutes 6,000 to 9,000 RPM on and off the throttle pedal
  • Next 10 minutes up to 12,000 RPM on and off the throttle pedal
  • Final 10 minutes up to 14,000 RPM on and off the throttle pedal
  • During my final 10 minute run-in I open up the High JET to 1-turn and drive it flat out.

Now that you have run-in your KA100 Reedjet engine, each time you hit the circuit I recommend at least 1 lap warm up before you go flat out down the straight for the fist time as the engine runs extremely efficient and runs much much colder than your current J or S engine.

By not warming the engine up correctly, you do run the risk of cold seizing the first time down the straight if you go flat out at maximum RPM. Don't take this negatively as I am just being cautious with new karters.

What is cold seizing? the piston expands at a greater rate than the cylinder wall. Hence the piston to bore clearance becomes tighter than normal and this could cause a cold seize.

EXHAUST SPRINGS
To prevent the exhaust springs from breaking, wrap tie wire around the two exhaust springs to stop the springs from vibrating. This prolongs the life of the exhaust springs. Alternatively, I use an old pedal spring (100mm or so, long)  and wrap this around the two exhaust springs and this will do the same thing.

Remo Luciani
Remo Racing

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