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Kidnova

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Plan to put my KE exhaust on in the spring. I trial fitted the KE's and it looks like getting the valve covers off and on with the KE's in place will be difficult, at best :rolleyes:

So, anyone know where to go for 2 piece valve covers ? One's that don't leak, and that won't cost an arm and a leg ?

Thanks :)
 
Hey Bill, since you are going to use a different valve cover, why not go with the tall marine covers and toss the stamped rockers out in lieu of some roller rockers. Free up some of that hidden HP. :) Are you dead set on using the 2-piece covers? Just curious.
 
I had the KE's - wouldn't stop leaking. I was told to go pound sand. A company bought Hardin + KE at that time and said they wouldn't warranty the old companies stuff, even thought that old company was KE and now still marketing under KE.

I talked to Hardin at PRI and the guy said he'd replace them. I said cool - they where thrown in the trash and probably melted into something else by now.

:angry1: :angry1: :angry1:

Anyway - supposedly they work well now. Just don't turn your back. :winker:
 
Discussion starter · #8 ·
rotax454 said:
Hey Bill, since you are going to use a different valve cover, why not go with the tall marine covers and toss the stamped rockers out in lieu of some roller rockers. Free up some of that hidden HP. :) Are you dead set on using the 2-piece covers? Just curious.
Richard - Yep, roller rockers, as you said....free up a little hidden hp :) After this winter I might need to get under the valve covers on occasion :devious: And the clunky KE's inhibit decent access to the bolts. Hence the investigation relative to the 2 pc. covers :D

Mr. cfm - I've heard that the fuggers can leak. I HATE leaks !! Stink'n cap to the OD resevoir leaked this summer and got OD fluid all over the engine compartment, including under the engine. Looks like chit now :angry1: So, I'll be doing some spring cleaning and painting.
 
I have the KE's on mine and have installed and run several pairs on friends boats. I have never had a leaking problem and will say from my experience that they are wonderful!! I have mine off regularly to inspect the valve train and make lash adjustments. I would bet I could have the whole job done in the amount of time it would take most to just pull the covers. ;)
 

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I am not sure what the valve covers go for now but I have them off about every 10 hours. The money I save by not needing to buy gaskets, and especially the time I save, make them worth much more than what they cost. I can lash both motors in just over an hour and that is super. I have been down the road of making up extensions and all of this other bs to get the tall covers on and off. I even got mine to quit leaking which is more difficult with blower motors :)
 
With a stud girdle, next to impossible. Without one, well you need those feeler's that are bent at 90 degrees.

For normal valvetrains they are good for checking stuff out. For adjusting solid cams, then, well, not so good.

Anyway - I was just posting it up as an alternative that I have no idea on price and options and such. A shop I deal with makes them and that's all I know.

BTW: Even with my bad experience with the KE covers, they still give me a woody. :D Def the best set-up this earth has seen in a super long time. Make life much easier when they seal.

BTW #2: I was more p'd about the company deal than anything else. The "yes, we bought KE, but we are not going to warranty them since you bought them from the previous KE." :dead: :dead: :dead:

Ask Fred at Trick. He went thru the same thing - himself and a few of his other customers. It was stupid, really.

Anyway - next build I get involved with I will try them again, especially since I can now meet them face to face. Well, Hardin Marine anyway. OH, BTW, they where bought from same company that bought KE. But they are different companies. :winker:
 
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