KX Riders

Maintenance & Technical => KX500 Original => Topic started by: martinfan30 on January 27, 2009, 05:48:12 PM

Title: Air box dampers?
Post by: martinfan30 on January 27, 2009, 05:48:12 PM

The only reason I can think of for the purpose of these "dials" is for water crossings? To close up the airbox to avoid water ingestion.

(http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u33/martinfan30/100_8839.jpg)

Title: Re: Air box dampers?
Post by: slow600 on January 28, 2009, 02:22:05 AM

i beleive your right. what i want to know is what would happen if you removed it entirely(removed rivets) for a road only bike. any negative effects?

Title: Re: Air box dampers?
Post by: martinfan30 on January 28, 2009, 07:02:54 AM

I don't see how it would hurt one bit.

Title: Re: Air box dampers?
Post by: Friar-Tuck on January 28, 2009, 07:22:21 AM

 My buddy drilled out the rivets and replaced the vents with stiff  stainless steel screen.
  Fender washers hold the screen in place from the inside, rivets through the front.
     The holes in the screen are about 1/16"
 He hasn't had any problems, however there are very few "water crossings" up here.  Puddles yea, creeks where we can ride aren't very deep.
  Tuck\o/ 

Title: Re: Air box dampers?
Post by: KX500freak on January 28, 2009, 08:15:23 AM

its purpose lies not in keeping water from pooring in ...
when you are dipped that deep,the engine is under water ,it will not like it..

its for very dusty ,or very dirty soil ,
you can close ,m up for a bit longer airfilter maintenance intervals.
i use them in this way ,always wide open for more air

Title: Re: Air box dampers?
Post by: KXcam22 on January 28, 2009, 10:19:36 AM

They are designed to allow more air into the air box.  Unless you ride at high RPM always (ice and SM) I doubt that you would tell a difference.  I couldn't.  I kept mine closed always to reduce filter maintenance and keep water out.  My KX ran quite nicely with water up to the seat. My 450 has similar openings, although not nearly as sophisticated as the K5.  I blocked them off with closed cell foam. Cam.

Title: Re: Air box dampers?
Post by: stewart on January 28, 2009, 11:10:30 AM

i leave them shut i could not find any differnce with them open,,in our testing so i  thought why let the dirt and water in