Rave Valve Bellows, Red vs. Green, 1 Spring vs. 2 Springs ?

[Frank_Hassa]

I need new RAVE valve o-rings (they're hard as plastic) and the best price I've found on eBay is $2.00 each o-ring, so I'm thinking buy 4 now real quick before they're all gone (usual price is around $5.00 each, plus high shipping), so I need an answer to a question I asked in another thread about whether or not to replace my red RAVE bellows with new green bellows.

I read on a Ski-Doo forum that the green bellows are an upgrade, that they are better material, and also they have a 2nd spring on the smaller side so that they make a tighter seal. It seemed like that was important, but I don't know how important, or why. Other threads I've read recommend using a zip-tie on the bellows, again because a tight seal is important.

I see no defects on my red RAVE bellows, but I can get a kit for about $13.00 for each valve, which includes the o-ring, new base gasket (which is probably not needed) and a new green bellows. But the pictures of these kits do not show any springs at all, so I don't know if I'm supposed to re-use the red bellows spring, or if it's just assumed the spring(s) comes with the green bellows, or what. And also I wonder if there is an OEM vs. aftermarket situation here, and if so how important that is. So any advice on how to proceed on the o-ring/bellows question would be appreciated.

 

[98GCLimited]

I prefer the redish orange over the green, the green feel hard and the reds are nice and soft/pliable. I put some new green ones on my buddies ski and not even a year later one is leaking already. They are junk IMO but they were WSM brand so cant be too surprised, they have a few parts that are as good as oem but not many.

 

[mikidymac]

If your red ones look good and aren't leaking they are fine.
As 98 said stick with OEM green ones if you need new as reds are not made by the factory and aftermarket green ones can be too stiff.
The bottom did not come with anything but some people have them leak and secure them with o-rings springs or zip ties.
Also worn aluminum bodies and valves themselves can cause leaks too.

 

[racerxxx]

ONLY BUY OEM PARTS

Use the red if good, if not get green OEM boots.


All the crap kits on ebay are aftermarket JUNK!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been using the green RFI rave o-rings for the stems. Seem softer a little and I assume handle higher heat due to the RFI.