Troubleshooting a Two-Stroke Engine Reed Valve
by Tom Lutzenberger
Reed valves on a two-stroke engine tend to be somewhat temperamental, as the inner workings of the assembly are very sensitive. If the parts are damaged or worn down, they can immediately impact the air/fuel mixture from the carburetor, which then damages engine performance. However, reed valves are often worth the time it takes to troubleshoot, since the design cuts off backflow and makes carburetion more efficient in a two-stroke engine. Solving many of the problems with reed valves includes eliminating other issues that could cause failures.
Step 1
Turn on the motorcycle or scooter engine and get it running, if possible. Wait about five minutes for the engine to warm up. Pull on the throttle to see if the carburetor responds correctly and quickly. Turn the engine off. Turn the fuel supply off.
Step 2
Use a screwdriver to disconnect the banjo clamp holding the carburetor to the intake hose connecting to the reed valve manifold on the engine. Pull the carburetor free and disconnect the fuel line connected to the side of it. Use a crescent wrench to disconnect the fuel line.
Step 3
Hold the end of the fuel line in your hand with a shop rag and slowly turn the fuel supply on to see if fuel is flowing properly. Turn it off when fuel begins to spill out onto the rag.
Step 4
Place the carburetor and fuel line aside. Unscrew the banjo bolt holding the intake hose to the reed valve manifold. Put the hose and clamps aside. Look inside the reed valve manifold to spot any signs of damage to the internal reed petals. Use a socket wrench and sockets to remove the manifold from the engine intake.
Step 5
Pull the reed valve manifold apart by hand once it is loose from the engine. Take out the old reed petals and replace them with a new set. Re-bolt the reassembled manifold to the engine again with the socket wrench. Screw on the intake hose clamp after reinstalling the hose.
Step 6
Reconnect the fuel line to the carburetor and reinstall the carburetor to the intake hose. Tighten the securing clamp on the hose locking the carburetor in place. Turn the fuel flow on again. Turn the engine on again and try out the response. Take the motorcycle or scooter for a ride to test performance.
References
Tips
- Checking the spark plug color in your cylinder using a socket wrench can tell you quickly if the engine is running with not enough fuel (white) or too much fuel (oily black). A proper fuel/air mixture should result in a proper spark plug tip color when operating correctly (chocolate brown).
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Crescent wrench
- Shop rag
- Socket wrench and sockets
Warnings
- Do not have any flammable sources nearby when working on the carburetor or fuel line of the engine. Gas fumes can ignite easily.
Writer Bio
Since 2009 Tom Lutzenberger has written for various websites, covering topics ranging from finance to automotive history. Lutzenberger works in public finance and policy and consults on a variety of analytical services. His education includes a Bachelor of Arts in English and political science from Saint Mary's College and a Master of Business Administration in finance and marketing from California State University, Sacramento.
