KTM 150 PV Question

Edited Date/Time 11/7/2012 2:27pm
Can anyone tell me what the deal is with this bolt? Mine is like hand loose, and can go out or in about one full rotation just with my fingers. I snugged it up a little bit, and tried it, and the power valve just got stuck wide open. Does anyone know where it's supposed to be at, and if it is supposed to stay put?

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slipdog
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7/25/2009
Location
Nor Cal, CA, USA
11/2/2012 11:02am
It should be loose not snug, It holds the sub-exhaust valve in place. The plate is slotted to match the head of the bolt and that holds it from moving. your plate looks to be stripped out.
newmann
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24437
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4/1/2008
Location
USA
11/2/2012 11:14am
It will turn with the retainer plate in place? Like slipdog says, it looks stripped in the pic. Someone crank down on it???
11/2/2012 11:42am
That is not my bike, but my plate did look stripped like that also. So I ordered in a couple of those plates. I put the new one on, and same thing. The bolt still spins in the plate. The way the bolt is shaped, the plate will hold the screw from actually backing out, but it doesn't actually stop it from spinning. Seems like a very strange system, and that's why I would like to get to the bottom of it and see what others have found. The manual doesn't say anything about it.
11/2/2012 12:08pm
The bolt is shaped something like this. So it seems like the plate sits right in the smooth part, stopping the bolt from backing out, but still allowing some play in the position of the bolt. Like I said, It seems very strange. Unless the bolt is actually not supposed to have the smooth part and is just worn out. But I have no clue how it would get that much wear.

The Shop

T-Fish
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Sparta, WI, USA
Fantasy
11/5/2012 6:35pm Edited Date/Time 11/5/2012 6:36pm
If this can wait until tomorrow, I can take some better pictures of what the bolts should look like for you.
Motoxtombo
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4/1/2008
Location
Holyoke, MA, USA
11/6/2012 9:56am
Its been a while since I took one apart but I'm pretty sure that is one of the powervalve flapper pivot shafts,
the lock tab is supposed to keep the shaft from moving so the flapper pivots on the shaft instead of the
shaft moving in the cylinder.
If the hex head on the shaft is rounded off it will need to be replaced along with a new locktab to be safe.
I would tighten it up then back it off a little then install the new locktab.
FreshTopEnd
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13361
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8/16/2006
Location
Sacramento, CA, USA
11/6/2012 3:55pm
I just rebuilt the top end and cleaned the power valve on my 200, which is the same system, and the tab holds the bolt; the bolt shouldn't spin in it. I'm thinking you just need to replace the tabs if the bolt is in far enough and its head is not rounded off.
11/6/2012 4:52pm
That's what I needed to know. Thanks guys.

Like I said, I have two new lock tabs, so the bolt must be the problem. Better see about a new one. Thanks again.
11/7/2012 2:27pm
HERE THIS MAY HELP YOU OUT !!!

Got some time on your ride? Even if you recently rebuilt the top end and your clutch is fresh, we’re willing to bet your bike can still go faster. Andrew Langston has heard numerous complaints from KTM privateers who are in the same boat as you. The usual grumble is that the 125s in question don’t have the same arm-wrenching bottom end like they used to.

Sometimes factory mechanics aren’t the best guys to talk to about production bike problems. Factory bikes are so meticulously maintained that long-term problems aren’t normally even seen by the factory wrenches. Luckily, Andrew Langston has been working on KTMs for a long time, and in the process the likeable South African has helped out his share of under-privileged privateers when the occasions arose.

One thing that Langston has learned over the years is that KTMs feature one of the best power valve systems of any bike, but if not timed properly this technological marvel can cost valuable ponies. One key feature is that the system is adjustable and can be tuned for any rider’s preference, but on the flip side this also means that it has many parts, some which tend to wear out over time. This makes the preload on the valves improper, which makes the timing incorrect. If they open a few hundred rpms too soon or too late, the small 125cc motor is greatly affected.

The main culprit of the problem is a worn actuating arm (part number 503.37.057.000). Andrew swung by the shop to explain exactly how to check for worn parts, and at the same time he showed us how to set up an SX125 power valve to the exact same settings that Langston and Metcalfe use! Grab your toolbox and owner’s manual and follow these steps to get your KTM back on track…

RAC8: Step 1. Start with a clean bike, as many internal motor parts will be exposed; a dirty bike will only amount to a lot more work. First, remove the pipe, cylinder side covers, and power valve adjuster cap (30mm wrench or socket will be needed). Loosen the retainer bolt located at 4 o’clock on the governor housing of the right side case (10 mm bolt). The main sign of a worn arm is free play when turning the adjuster. Turn the adjuster on the right side cover and watch the slave actuating arm (black arm seen in right side cylinder opening). The arm should move instantly when the adjuster is turned. If there is any lag time, it’s a sure sign that the actuating arm is worn out. If everything looks tight you can skip to the last step for the proper timing procedure.

RAC2: Step 2. It’s time to dig in! Start by draining the antifreeze and transmission oil. Next, remove the right side cover. This is easier when the rear brake pedal is removed. Take your time and make sure that the two dowel pins don’t fall into the motor.

RAC3: Step 3. Once the cover is removed, use a workbench to lay out the parts. The water pump assembly and governor arm cover will also have to be removed.

RAC4: Step 4. Remove the slave arm (the black arm that fits into the cylinder). This is done by taking a 10mm wrench and loosening until the bearing falls out of the right side case. Once the bearing is out, a T-handle can be used to speed things up.

RAC5: Step 5. The power valve adjuster/governor has to be removed to get the actuating arm out. The gear might have to be clamped if the bolt is too tight. Be careful not to damage any teeth.

RAC6: Step 6. Now that the governor is removed, the actuating arm will side out. Check the lobe for wear. Here is an example of a worn arm and a new one. Once the lobe is worn, it will cause slop in the power valve linkage and improper timing will result.

RAC7: Step 7. Everything is put back together the opposite way it came apart. Make sure the actuating arms and ends of the governor are greased. This will also help keep the small washers from falling out of place. Two thin washers go on first, then the small thick one. Langston finds that black moly grease is usually best for motor parts. Once the governor is in place, use a little Blue Loc-Tite on the threads of the bolt that holds the governor assembly in place.

Replace the parts in this order: (refer to owner’s manual for torque specs)

Slave actuating arm (grease shaft with black moly)
Push bearing back into case and put cover back on
Water pump assembly (slightly lube O-ring with grease or oil)
Right side cover (Placing dowel pins and gasket on the case side makes this a little easier. One key thing to watch for is placement of the slave actuating arm. It must fit into the “V” located in the cylinder.)
Brake pedal
Transmission oil and antifreeze
RAC9: Step 8. Now it’s time to set the preload on the governor. This can be a little tricky because the adjuster is on the right side of the bike, but the locating marks are on the left side of the cylinder. The sight hole on the left side of the cylinder has two bars with marks in them. The front bar has two marks and doesn’t move, but the back bar has a mark that can be adjusted up or down. Start by turning the adjuster so the back bar’s mark moves to the highest position possible. This will ensure that power valve moves freely and doesn’t trick the setting. Next, turn the adjuster so the mark on the back bar moves just below the top mark on the front bar. The ideal spot is when the bottom of the front bar’s mark is aligned with the top of the back bar’s mark. This must be getting confusing by now, so look at the attached diagram to help straighten things out.

The setting just described is a little different from the factory specs. This is the preferred setting of team racers Grant Langston and Bret Metcalfe. This may not be the best setting for you, but that’s the advantage of KTM’s adjustable power valve system; it can be adjusted for what works best for you. Take the time to try different settings and tailor your motor to match your riding style.

Once you have achieved the proper position, tighten the retainer bolt on the right side case and replace the adjuster’s cover. Then install the cylinder covers and the pipe, and you’re ready to ride!

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