The power valve actuation for these does come from the RPM of the crank. When high enough this gear actuates an arm that opens the power valve (normally partially blocking the exhaust port) and effectively raises the exhaust port while also increasing the opening. This creates the "power band" and provides the top end hit.
Cliffy, when you say you can't get yours to work, do you mean by spinning it by hand, you'll never spin it fast enough. If the valve does not work, this is normally caused by either gummed up valve and/or actuators from premix oil, or by broken levers that connect the drive mechanism to the power valve assy.
Stan