SwedeTech 2010 May Review

June 17th, 2010

April and May have been busy for SwedeTech customers throughout the country. Events such as the Region 11 IKF, SKUSA Mountain and Central States Series, ProKart North and South, and the CKI event in Phoenix have all taken place in a short amount of time.
Region 11 IKF action took place at the Prairie City Facility in early May. Kiel Spaulding headed out to this challenging facility and took control of the HPV 2 Jr. Class. For the day, Kiel was the mark as he qualified on pole, won the heat, and walked away with the win in the main event. Fellow competitor, David Vasquez, was on a loaner SwedeTech from a fellow racer, and had a good weekend as well. Qualifying 4th, Vasquez picked up one spot in the heat and for the main would finish with a solid second.

Austin Schimmel

Austin Schimmel


For the first round of the SKUSA Mountain Region, SwedeTech was trackside supporting the new regional series. The temporary layout of the track received great feedback from the competitors. Colorado has a strong pocket of S5 talent, which is the Jr. Stock Moto package that SKUSA has been promoting for a few years. Austin Schimmel put his SwedeTech powered Honda on pole to start the weekend. New to the S5 class, Eli Ziegler placed his machine in the fourth spot. In the first two heat races, Schimmel and another fellow competitor put on a fun show. Each driver claimed quick lap for each heat. At the end of the day, Austin would bring home a hard fought second. Eli was able to drive from the back to finish 4th in the main event.
Anthony Giannone entered the TaG Sr class powered by a Vortex Rok TT. Anthony had second wrapped up all weekend long, with a strong qualifying effort, two seconds in the heats, and a second place in the main event.
In the combined S1, S4, and G1 event, I have to place Mike McDonough in this press release (even though he is not on a SwedeTech). Mike runs the Masters Stock Moto class (S4) and he showed the young kids the way around the track and put his machine on pole. Cory Milne placed his SwedeTech Stock Moto in the 4th spot. In Heat 1, Milne race was cut short due to an on track incident. In Heat 2, Milne moved from the back of the pack to finish third. In the main, Milne grabbed the fastest lapped on his way to a solid 2nd place finish.
Shooting back over to the West Coast, the SKUSA ProKart North Series has had two events in the past month. For Round Three, Austin Keller was on hand running the TaG Jr class. Austin is having a good year in the TaG Jr field, and round three netted Austin an overall 4th place finish, with a second in the heat race. At a separate event, SwedeTech received word that Austin was involved in a karting crash that broke some bones, so we wish Austin a speedy recovery so he can represent SwedeTech at a race in the near future.
The ProKart North Series has a handful of good S1 drivers, and Round 3 was not an exception. For Qualifying, Nic Le Duc posted a quick time for the overall second spot. For the heat races, Nic grabbed a win and a second. For the main event, Le Duc laid down the fastest lap and after the checkered, was officially classified with a 3rd place finish. HPV 2 Jr was running again with the ProKart North series, and Daniel Langon was on a borrowed SwedeTech HPV from Shawn Thomas Racing. Daniel laid down a fast lap to grab the pole position. During the heats, Daniel had to drive hard grabbing two top five finishes. But when it counted Daniel Langon was able to put the borrowed HPV at the front of the field and came home with the win.
Round 4 of the ProKart North Series saw a new entry, but a very familiar name, entered in the S1 class. Alex Speed would make a return to the Honda package for this round of the ProKart North event. Alex didn’t miss a step, putting his SwedeTech Stock Moto on pole. Teammates Jason Toft and Nic Le Duc followed suit by qualifying third and fourth. In the Heat 1, Toft, Le Duc, and Speed would finish second, third and fourth. Heat 2, Speed would find his way back to the front for the heat win, and Toft would finish third. In the main, the field was stirred when Speed pulled his package off the track with a failed carburetor needle clip. With Alex watching the race, teammate Jason Toft put his package upfront for the main event win. Nic Le Duc would drive from the back to finish third.
In other Round 4 action, Austin Thomas placed his new My09 Leopard on pole. With two strong heat race finishes and setting the fastest lap, Austin was in a strong position all day. When the final checkered flew, Austin came home with a well deserved third place finish.

From regional racing to national events, SwedeTech was represented in Phoenix at the CKI event by Kiel Spaulding in Tag Jr and Raquel Martinez in the KF3 classes. Raquel had a superb weekend of racing in the KF3 class with her SwedeTech Vortex. Raquel almost pulled off a perfect sweep of the weekend, with the exception of a second place finish during a heat. Raquel would walk away from the event as the KF3 weekend champion.

Raquel Martinez

Raquel Martinez


In the other Jr class, Kiel Spaulding had his work cut out for him. Running in the top three all weekend long, Kiel put his SwedeTech Leopard machine at the front of the pack when it counted. Taking home both Main event victories for the weekend, Kiel would earn the TaG Jr weekend champion title.
Kiel Spaulding

Kiel Spaulding

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SwedeTech Review – January – April 2010

May 6th, 2010

The past few months have been busy for many of the SwedeTech customers with many events that had taken place throughout the country. SwedeTech always encourages our customers to share their results with us so we know who is racing and where.


The CKI Florida Cup wrapped up their series in Homestead, and Alex Speed wrapped up his three visits to Florida with the CKI Florida Cup KF2 Championship. Speed dominated the KF2 class with 8 wins, 1 runner up, and two Third place finishes putting the stamp on the 2010 CKI Florida Cup Championship.
The Rotax Gatorz Challenge of the Americas event made the final stop at Sonoma’s Infineon Raceway. In the Rotax Jr. Class, Kiel Spaulding put his package up front all weekend long. Spaulding was the benchmark for this event, as he swept both days by putting his SwedeTech Rotax on pole, won both heats, and won both main events.
With his performance, Kiel Spaulding secured the runner up spot in the Rotax Gatorz Challenge of the Americas Championship series.
The ProKart South Series held an event at Grange complex. Luke Bianco had a strong finish, winning the S4 Magnum class. In the S4 class, Rob Logan had a solid result by finishing third, and along the way, posted the fasted lap.
In the competitive S2 class, Cory Neveau drove his TonyKart machine to a third place finish. The G1 class is always fun to watch. Troy Butts finished a close third and posted some very quick lap times. Right behind him was Imran Husain.
In the middle of April, the SKUSA Pro Tour kicked off a new program. The first race was held at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma. For Saturday’s action, Nick LeDuc and Jason Toft qualified their S1 Stock Moto machines 2nd and 5th. As Saturday’s S1 main event rolled around, both LeDuc and Toft showed they had the speed to run up front. At the checkered, Jason Toft would finish second and Nic LeDuc finished fourth.
The S2 Stock Moto had a good turnout. SwedeTech customer, Alec Gumpfer, made the trip from Hawaii to participate in the ProTour event. His weekend started off good as he qualified third. In the first heat race, Gumpfer finished 3rd. During the second heat while running third, a chassis mechanical issue removed Alec from the race.
It has been a while since the entry lists at any event had the name Ray Zanotto on them. This weekend Ray decided to dust off the driving gear and support the ProTour at his local track, running the S4 class. In the second heat race, Zanotto finished 4h. At the end of the day, Ray Zanotto had a hard charge forward to finish a well deserved second.
The G1 class, with the ICC power plants had a solid group on the track. Eduardo Martins ( Maxter ) qualified second and Robert Marks ( TM ) posted the third quickest time. In the first heat race, Martins finished third, Marks finished fourth, and Jim Kidd ( Maxter ) moved his way through the pack to finish fifth. The second heat race had a lot of action as spots were shuffling during the whole race. Robert Marks finished the heat race in third, with Martins fourth, Imran Husain ( Maxter ) fifth and Jim Kidd sixth. In the main, Jim Kidd made a charge for the front and at the end of the day, finishes a hard earned 2nd place. Martins and Marks finish a close third and fourth, while Husain made the top five.
The S5 class is the building block for Stock Moto, as this group highlights the younger stock moto drivers. Austin Schimmel qualified third on the Infineon circuit. In the heat races, Schimmel was very consistent running in the lead pack. When Saturday’s final checkered waive, Schimmel earned a third place podium.
As Sunday would roll around, many teams made preparations to move up the charts. The headline S1 class would not disappoint in the main event. Starting from the back of the field, both Jason Toft and Nic LeDuc would put in two hard drives to move into the top five for the final result. The race was very exciting to watch. On the last lap, three different drivers could have one. When the checkered waived, Toft was third with LeDuc in fourth. A great run for both drivers.
S2 driver, Derek Crockett made the trip out from Illinois , for the first round of the SKUSA ProTour. Sunday was a good day for Crockett as he posted a strong second place finish in the main event.
G1 driver Robert Marks is a front runner seems to find himself in the right spots. For Sunday’s main event, Marks was in the right spot as a competitors engine expired, handing the win to Marks. Behind Marks, drivers were changing positions. Eduardo Martins would fend off the third place charger, and Jim Kidd would slot in for a fourth place finish.
The young S5 drivers put on a good show for their second main event of the weekend. It was close and exciting racing. Austin Schimmel was in the mix of the lead pack, as any three of the drivers could have pulled off the win. When the Jr S5’s received the waived checkered, Schimmel was running a very close third, solid results for the first round of the ProTour.
We apologize if anyone is every accidentally missed in the review. SwedeTech encourages our customers to email results to us so we can include you in our next monthly review.
For more information, contact Jason Berry at (916) 687 – 3980, www.swedetechracing.com (technical site), or www.shopswedetech.com (official online store). SwedeTech Racing Engines offers parts and service for all two – stroke kart racing applications.

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Product Release – CR125 CDI Holder

April 28th, 2010

With the recent increase in Stock Moto participation, SwedeTech Racing has gone back to the drawing board to develop new products to help with the installation of the CR125 Stock Moto engine package for kart use.

SwedeTech Racing made the public release of the CDI holder at the first SKUSA Pro Tour event at Infineon.  This part is made from stainless steel and includes the hardware so you can easily mount the bracket to your CR125 engine.

Kit includes bracket, 3 aluminum spacers, and 3 bolts.

Direct link for more information – CDI Holder

The rubber CDI isolator is sold separately.

Photo compliments of Phastfoto Motorsports Photography

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SwedeTech Spring Open House

April 5th, 2010

As many of you know, SwedeTech Racing moved to a new facility in the month of January 2010.  Many series started racing in January and February, which made it difficult to schedule a Grand Opening at the new shop.

Instead of opening our doors for only 1 day, SwedeTech is hosting an Open House event for the week of April 12 – April 15, 2010.  This is the week of the SKUSA Spring Nationals being held Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA.   SwedeTech felt this was a great time for our out of town customers to have a chance to see the new facility.

During this week, SwedeTech will maintain extended hours from Monday – Thursday.  Hours of operation during this week will be from 8am – 7pm.  We want to give our customers an ample opportunity to make it to the new facility.

During these days, Swedetech will have the BBQ cooking food from 11:30 am to 7 pm.  Sodas and water will also be provided.  We ask that you call the day before so we will have enough food and beverages on hand for everyone.

For more information, contact Jason Berry at (916) 687 – 3980, www.swedetechracing.com (technical site), or www.shopswedetech.com (official online store).  SwedeTech Racing Engines offers parts and service for all two – stroke kart racing applications.

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How to Check Squish on a Two Stroke Engine

March 26th, 2010

This guide is a general instruction on how to check squish on a Two Stroke Engine.

First step is to determine what the squish is supposed to be.  If you are using a SwedeTech Engine, we supply this number to our customers.  If you are not using a SwedeTech engine, contact your engine builder for the proper squish measurement.

Squish = The measurement between the piston and combustion chamber with the piston at TDC ( Top Dead Center ).  This measurement is taken at the edge of the piston.

For this example, let’s assume the desired squish measurement is 0.040″.  In this example, you will use 0.050″ solder.  For SwedeTech Engines, we prefer to use solder that is approximately 0.010″ – 0.012″ thicker than  the desired squish measurement.    Note – Some rules such as Rotax call out in the technical specifications the required solder thickness.  Always check your rules to make sure you are in compliance.

Rotate crank so the piston is resting about 1/2″ down from TDC.  This will give you room to insert the solder as well as clearance to run the piston to TDC to squish the solder.

  • Cut two pieces of solder a minimum of 4″ in length – length of solder must be long enough to reach edge of cylinder and maintain control of solder ends from the spark plug hole.
  • When cutting solder, use a sharp razor blade and cut perpendicular to the solder.  This will leave the end of solder square.  Wire cutters will leave the solder edge tapered, and this may affect your measurement.
  • Bend the solder so the you can feed the solder through the spark plug hole, to the edge of the cylinder / piston.  Now insert the second piece of solder in the opposite direction of the first.
  • You will always want to check the squish directly above the wrist pin.
  • With the solder butted up against the cylinder wall, rotate the crank back and forth so the piston “squishes” the solder 4-5 times.  Go past TDC 0.020″ -0.040″ , then rotate opposite back to TDC.
  • Remove solder from cylinder and measure the thinnest part of the solder with a set of calipers that have been zeroed out.  This can be a few 1/1000ths from the end of the solder.
  • Using base gaskets or head gaskets, move the cylinder or head in the direction of desired squish measurement.  Repeat above steps until desired squish is found.
  • Note – If squish measurement from left solder to right solder differ, you may need to move the head around to achieve equal squish on both sides.  Make sure the nuts or bolts for the cylinder and head are torqued evenly to the proper specifications.

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Pump Around Troubleshooting Guide

March 23rd, 2010

If you are reading this guide, you might be having problems with your pump around system.  Please go through each step.  If you think you did it properly, still double check.  SwedeTech has put this guide together to help you troubleshoot your pump around system.

Pump around system pumps MUST BE CLEANED EVERY RACE WEEKEND.  THIS IS NORMAL MAINTENANCE JUST AS ADDING AIR TO TIRES, FUEL TO THE KART OR LUBRICATING THE CHAIN.  DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP.

First things first - Make sure that all of your fuel line fittings have a minimum I.D. of 3/16″ diameter.  This includes fuel tank nipples, vent nipples, fuel filters, and catch can nipples.  This does not include the vents on the carburetor itself.  Make sure all fittings are properly secured and safety wire or clamped at each fitting.  Air can leak into the system at these connections and cause a problem.  For the vent catch tank, make sure the tank is drilled out with at least a 1/4″ diameter vent hole.  If the catch cannot breath, the system will not work.  When checking all the I.D. sizes, make sure the nipples are clear of any obstruction.

Make sure all of your fuel lines are routed properly to each fitting.  Do not assume it is right, Check it.  The pump around system that SwedeTech supplies use the Mikuni Round style pumps.  These pumps have arrows on the cover to indicate fuel flow.  Double check that the fuel is flowing in the right directions.  If the arrow is pointing to the center of the pump, this is the inlet.  If the arrow is pointing away from the center, this is the outlet.  On the pump around pumps, one outlet on each pump is plugged with a set screw.

The pickup line in the fuel tank should reach the bottom of the tank and lay flat on the bottom.  The end of this hose should have a brass nozzle that lies on the bottom of the tank.  Make sure that the fuel line cannot be pinched or pressed between chassis parts, seat parts, weights, etc.  Any restrictions in flow will affect performance.  Make sure when you secure fuel lines to the frame, that you DO NOT over tighten the fuel line.  This will restrict flow.  Note the common theme, DO NOT RESTRICT FLOW.

Start with the routing of the fuel line.  Connect the fuel “supply” line to the tank nipple that has the fuel pick up tube inside the tank.  Between this line, and before the supply pump, add a fuel filter.  The “supply” line will connect to the fuel pump half that you designate as supply.  Both pumps work the same, as long as the fuel follows the arrows.  Connect the line to a pump with an arrow pointing to the center of the pump.  It may help to label one pump “supply” and one pump “return”.   Take another length of hose from this pump half and route to the carburetor inlet.  Typically this is a brass inlet, with some being supplied with an aluminum nipple pressed into the end.  It will also be a barbed fitting.  This arrow should be pointing away from the center.  Leave enough fuel line so you can remove the carburetor easily for jet changes.  Make sure the lines CANNOT get pinched or restricted.  Secure all supply connections.

The carburetors that SwedeTech supplies for the pump around all have the fuel inlet or “supply” on the left side of the carburetor. The return tube is always on the right side of the carburetor. Left side is determined by the view if you are sitting in the kart looking forward.

Now for the fuel “return” line.  The tank will have at least two available nipples.  Designate one for the vent line and one for the return.  (The supply line is complete).  From the tank to the other fuel pump half, connect fuel line to the pump with the arrow pointing away from the center.  This is the return side.  Note the direction of arrows and the fuel flow.  Now connect another line to the other available fuel pump nipple with the arrow pointing to the center.  Connect this piece of fuel line to the carburetor return tube (typically you can tell this was an added tube, and usually it is parallel to the carburetor slide body.  It is also a straight tube with no barb).  Make sure you have enough fuel line to easily remove carburetor for tuning.  Secure all connections.

The final nipple available on the fuel tank should be your vent tube.  Some tanks have 4 nipples, plug the 4th.  Check with your local rules.  Some associations require a catch tank on the vent.  Make sure the catch can is drilled out on the inlet with a minimum of 3/16″ I.D. and the vent hole in the catch can is a minimum of 1/4 I.D.

Pump Around Diagram - PWM or PWK

Diagram compliments of Benn Hur

The above steps are the basics to routing a pump around properly.  If you do not follow the above procedures, you may have problems.   Below is a checklist of common problems.

  • Fuel is spraying out of the vent line of the tank
    • System is pressurizing, fuel is being sucked out of the tank when it tries to achieve equilibrium.
    • Check guide above to make sure your system is plumbed properly
    • Check the fuel pumps for buildup of oil or failed fuel pump half
  • Fuel is spraying out of the vent lines on the carburetor
    • System is not properly returning fuel to the tank
    • Check guide above to make sure your system is plumbed properly
    • Check the fuel pumps for buildup of oil or failed fuel pump half
      • This is typical if the “return” fuel pump is not working properly
    • Make sure all fuel lines are not pinched on the return to the tank
  • Carburetor has a bogging or flooded sound
    • Check pumps for oil build up or failed pump half
    • Double check your plumbing with the above guide

By following the above guidelines, you will eliminate most of your pump around problems.  These systems are sensitive and need to be maintained properly.

I hope this information helps.

To order replacement parts, visit the links below

Fuel pump rebuild kit – requires 2 per system

Fuel pump kit – keep one clean at all times

Fuel Line – typical system uses 10′ – 12′

Fuel Filter – always run a filter

Fuel Pump Mount – rubber isolated

Pulse Line for pump – cloth braided

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SwedeTech Engine Sale and Parts Sale

March 3rd, 2010

Overstocked Engines equals big savings for Customers

In our attempts to keep our customer supplied, every once in a while we overstock our items.  Below is a list of engines and parts that we are selling at a discount to make room for the new 2010 inventory.

HPV Engine Package with pipe, carburetor, air box, and air filter.  Package includes a SwedeTech Blueprint and Dyno Break in — $2499.00 (retail 3245.00) – HPV 1, 2, 3, or 4 (Horstman Style Clutch) –  2 at this price.

Comer C50 Engines with carburetor, exhaust, and K&N air filter.  Includes SwedeTech Blueprint and Break In — $950.00 ( retail 1400.00 ) — 3 at this price.

IAME Parilla Leopards complete engine kits with carburetor, radiator, water pump, battery, and electrical.  2008 Key Style Leopard – Includes SwedeTech Blueprint and Dyno Break in.  $2950.00 (retail 3550.00) – 2 at this price.

All Comer Parts – K80 and C50 / C51 Parts — 25% off

All HPV Parts – 25% off

All ICC Parts – 15% off

Special pricing is only while supplies last.  No other discounts will be applied.

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SwedeTech Customers Stand on the Top Step.

February 15th, 2010

Five SwedeTech customers stood on the top step at the opening rounds of the ProKart Challenge Series.

The ProKart Challenge has logged the opening rounds for the South and North series, and SwedeTech customers put the blue and yellow logo at the front of the pack again.  In the PKC South Series, three SwedeTech customers stood alone on the top step.

Jason Campbell was fast all weekend long, and put his SwedeTech powered S4 package out front to bring home the first round win.  Representing Team Visalia was Todd Scholta.  And this guy needs horsepower.  I think he made three trips to the dinner line hosted by PKC, and then went to The Outback Steakhouse afterwards.  Todd drove consistently all weekend long, and when the checkered waived, he was in the front of the S4 Magnum class.  Good Job Todd.  The third and youngest SwedeTech customer standing on the top step was Louie Pagano, running the SwedeTech Parilla Leopard engine in the Tag Jr class.  Louie just checked out.

On other notes from the weekend events in Fontana,  Arie Luyendyk Jr., finished third on a borrowed SwedeTech engine, after missing practice, qualifying, and a heat trying to troubleshoot the old engine.  Thank you to Jason Campbell for helping out other racers.  Andrew Wiener finished 5th in the competitive Tag Jr class.

Traveling up North for the first round of PKC North series at Infineon, the S1 class was filled.  Fritz Leesman aboard his Aluminos package walked away with the win powered by a SwedeTech Stock Honda.  Under the same Aluminos tent was Jeff Smith, running the S4 class on a SwedeTech package, also brought home the big trophy.

In the Tag Jr division, Austin Keller was powered by his Parilla Leopard to finish a strong second.  SwedeTech would like to congratulate and thank all the customers that have help put our name up front.  We do our best to include all of our customers in podium results, but if we happened to miss you, please let us know so we do not make the mistake twice.

On a side note, there was also some great racing action on the big road course at Infineon with the NCK Road Racers ripping off laps.  If anyone has information on the results and finishes from the big track, please contact SwedeTech.

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Rotax Pan American Challenge – Flyer

February 11th, 2010
Rotax Pan American Flyer

Rotax Pan American Flyer

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Pan America Rotax Challenge

February 10th, 2010

Pan American Rotax Challenge dates, format and locations finalized.

Pan American Rotax Challenge Series officials are pleased to announce that the final details on the schedule and format are set. Several adjustments have been made to the original plans including reducing the number of events from 4 to 3 for the first season. Because of a very full race calendar in the US and Canada it was decided the August date at F-1 New Jersey would not be part of the 2010
program. This long waited series will start its inaugural season in April at MSR Houston, located in Angleton, Texas 30 minutes south of Houston. This is a true international series, patterned after the very
successful Rotax Euro Challenge. Drivers from all nations are welcome to attend and future plans are for Pan American Series races to be held in Canada, Mexico and South American countries as the
program grows. Discussions for a 2011 date in Canada are already underway. The 3 events are;

*April 23-35 MSR Houston
* June 11-13 New Castle Motorsports Park (Note: the Pan American race at New Castle will take the place of the annual Rotax Summer Shootout)
* September 3-5 California Speedway

The 6 race series will crown champions at the end and award 7 spots to the 4 Rotax Grand Finals
classes;

*Junior Max – 2
* Senior Max – 2
* DD2 – 2
* DD2 Masters – 1

The three events include a Friday official practice, Saturday-Sunday format of Qualifying, Pre-Final and Final each day. One set of tires is allowed each race day for Junior and Senior classes. Mini Max and
Micro Max will use the same tires for both days. Drivers will pick up their tires each morning for races that day. Seven classes will compete at each event. The new class this year is a dedicated DD 2 Masters (415lbs). This class will also compete at the 2010 Rotax Grand Finals for the first time. Each weekend competitors will be able to earn points for finishes in the Pre-Final and Final of each day.
The top five qualifiers will also earn points each day.

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