Tanaka 33 filter and cover replacement

[scotto-]

On all of my Tanakas: 2x26cc, 2x33cc, 2x40cc and 2x47R I run the proper size velocity stack and a K&N or UNI 2-stage foam filter. Let the Tanaka breathe and run 50:1 quality 2-stroke oil and all will be well. Tanakas are top quality Japanese 2-strokes and will last a long time with minimal maintanence.

 

[happycheapskate]

I hope it lasts a long time. lol. I'm not paying $400 for one of these. I got mine for $90 on Amazon. Lawn-mower work around here is high dollar, just like car repairs.

Did the "velocity stack" and fancy filter actually do anything for you, or is it just for the good seal and easy filter changes that you went to something else?

 

[scotto-]

I hope it lasts a long time. lol. I'm not paying $400 for one of these. I got mine for $90 on Amazon. Lawn-mower work around here is high dollar, just like car repairs.

Did the "velocity stack" and fancy filter actually do anything for you, or is it just for the good seal and easy filter changes that you went to something else?

With the porting, the tuned expansion chamber, larger HP carb, timing key, and such, it made a big difference in performance for racing. I know Tanakas very well to say the least.

 

[happycheapskate]

That's cool. I like a lot of japanese stuff. I had a little Nissan truck 15 years ago, that was awesome. It was small and economical, without a bunch of electronic bs, and it hardly ever needed anything. I have used a lot of japanese commercial engines in lawn care, and they seemed the same way, pared down and put together well from the start.
That is why I bought 2 of the Tanakas when they were $89.

 

[happycheapskate]

re: Let it breathe. Yeah, This little whacker motor is THIRSTY. The green pads were way too restrictive for this engine, so I just ran it with the swatch of ace bandage and the worm clamp. It pulled my kid-trailer 10 miles or so today, 5 loaded down with a laundry basket full of groceries (probably 50-60lb of goods) with a 150lb rider. I had to pedal a lot to keep it in its "zone". It ran out of gas over the trip, with a full tank (I think these little tanks hold 24oz.)
For comparison, I got about 25mi per tank last week, with the unloaded bike, and just a few tools and a u lock.


The stock filter plate has a 3/4" deep "velocity stack" that matches the venturi, and keeps the filter away from the hole. Something to note if making your own filter box system.

On all of my Tanakas: 2x26cc, 2x33cc, 2x40cc and 2x47R I run the proper size velocity stack and a K&N or UNI 2-stage foam filter. Let the Tanaka breathe and run 50:1 quality 2-stroke oil and all will be well. Tanakas are top quality Japanese 2-strokes and will last a long time with minimal maintanence.

 

[happycheapskate]

I ordered a 1" tall velocity stack. af310
They have a bunch of filters, $12 for Af228 UFO af227

Here is a 5% off coupon (pre-shipping) Dave's Discount Motors Coupon Codes - all coupons, discounts and promo codes for davesmotors.com
PBP code

I ordered this for my Grubee bike (the one with a Briggs knockoff lawnmower can on it now)

http://www.davesmotors.com/fd288_2.jpg
http://www.davesmotors.com/s.nl/c.885035/n.1/it.A/id.8317/.f
Zenoah 2 pipe can muffler. $10.50 If it works, it will look a lot cooler than the briggs, and maybe run better. Will post a review.

I don't know if it will fit the Tanaka. I am waiting to hear from them, but if it did, that would be cool. Whenever the stock muffler eventually clogs/wears out, I'd like to get a plain replacement.

 

[happycheapskate]

Daves has replied by email that the black $10 Zenoah filter box does not require a velocity stack and that replacement foam elements are available for it also. The box snaps together and does not require a screw or knob to hold the filter cover. (thumbs up)

 

[happycheapskate]

Hooray! The Dave's velocity stack is here. I've already got it mounted on the bike. The gasket was good. The part looked well finished, and the stock screws fit fine.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/422217_1830459179139_1770170043_936026_1924933993_n.jpg
Comparison of snuff can to velocity stack

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/401147_1830459379144_1770170043_936027_860779143_n.jpg
Velocity stack with Ace Bandage and hose clamp for air screen.

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hpho...0459499147_1770170043_936028_1620347272_n.jpg
I bent the cable stop plate a few degrees, using a small adjustable wrench, in order to lengthen the distance between the cable end and the plate, and to align it better for less friction. The spring is from a retractable ink pen, cut to fit.

 

[happycheapskate]

The Tanaka likes the velocity stack. It started easily and ran smoothly.

The 2 pipe scooter muffler doesn't fit the tanaka. I don't know if it will fit the happytime yet.

 

[happycheapskate]

I rode the bike 110 miles in this configuration, and it worked well. The patch of ace bandage got dirty around mile 50, and was keeping the bike down to about 20mph from 27. I'd used it already for at least 50 miles though. I could see where the air flows mainly in the center, a little darker, probably from "carb spitting" like when you let off the gas, or when trying to start. After changing, it went back up. I will try washing the pieces and see if they still work.

I'm looking for a piece of radiator hose to make an air tunnel with, to cut noise, reposition the intake opening away from tire spray, and move the ace cloth away from the carb. I plan to use some kind of PVC plumbing part or pipe to keep the rubber hose open when clamping the ace cloth to it. I will post pics.
Something like this: (radiator flex hose) http://www.ebay.com/itm/Allstar-Rad...&otn=21&pmod=330672846358&ps=54#ht_1374wt_970

 

[happycheapskate]

So far so good with the Ace bandage filters. I washed the dirty ones and they had stains but were re-usable. The roll was only $3 and I think I can make 15 from one roll. 20ct. each and re-usable. You DON'T have to stretch the material. Just put over the v stack and clamp snugly. If it is "baggy" don't let it suck in and flap. It should be flat but not stretched.

I made my own boost bottle today, as much for an anti-reversion device (prevent carb spitting) as for hopeful improvement/gains. So far it sounds nice and runs great, will take out for long ride soon.

Here is a bolt-on "boost box" /juice box that does the same thing, very nicely shaped, and supposedly cuts intake noise. Call and confirm compatibility before ordering.

http://www.davesmotors.com/core/media/media.nl?id=966&c=885035&h=f4b35482ba056e92854a
http://www.davesmotors.com/s.nl/c.885035/n.1/it.A/id.821/.fcvlt1

 

[happycheapskate]

I finally found a rubber boot to fit my velocity stack, to complete my project. Photos coming soon. The rubber boot clamps on the v-stack, and acts kind of like a bigger funnel straight into the stack. It moves the filter element away from the stack, and opens up to a bigger diameter, for more air flow hopefully.

The part number from Lowes was 23444 for about $4-8, labeled a Flexible Coupling 2in x 1 1/2. It looks "too big" but clamps down well and seals.

I am using stretch bandage rolls cut into squares, for washable/disposable filter elements. The rubber boot is stiff enough at the big end, to clamp the gauze wrap over it like I was doing on the v-stack. It looks pretty cool.

http://sadpanda.us/images/889549-O01FKIC.jpg[/img
rubber boot

[img]http://sadpanda.us/images/889552-LY21VKY.jpg
http://sadpanda.us/images/889552-LY21VKY.jpg[/img
rubber boot 2



More, final version
[IMG]http://motorbicycling.com/picture.php?albumid=531&pictureid=3860
http://motorbicycling.com/picture.php?albumid=531&pictureid=3860[/IMG

[IMG]http://motorbicycling.com/picture.php?albumid=531&pictureid=3859

 

[happycheapskate]

That boost bottle got busted so I made one from an Axe cologne spray can and another brass splicer, epoxied into the can top.

 

[Stoney]

making note

 

[happycheapskate]

This project is still successful. I have updated the stretch bandage filter now to be replaced by foam filters (round) cut from cheap Lawn Boy brand mower filters (sold as a gray rectangle for $3, makes 2 discs!)
The ace wrap filters worked fine, and cheaply, since they could just be disposed of and replaced as necessary. The foam filter looks better and quiets some frequencies of intake noise.

 

[happycheapskate]

Boost bottle made from Axe spray bottle and 1/4 x 1/4 coupler, and LocTite super epoxy.

 

[happycheapskate]

I am unable to ride bikes for now (foot problem) but I will try to make a video when I "get back on my feet". The rubber boot intake mod was really great, makes choking the engine easy enough but has a wide collector for running powerfully. The engine can be idled down so low I can tickle the clutch with the throttle lever, and can putt along quietly. The bike runs smoother with the boost bottle, an d seems to have more low RPM power, but nothing really different at the top end.

 

[happycheapskate]

The rubber boot is still in use. The Axe can got axed, after the bike fell over. I used a "50cc" Boost Bottle brand one (steel, with threaded brass barb), that came off my grubee-type motor.

I have a piece of window/door screen that I use for a "filter", with the hose clamp. I have foam filters that I use to quiet the engine or for rainy/dusty days. (Lawn boy square filters, get 2 discs per square by making with scissors).