Reed valve

[monk34]

How can you tell if your reed valve is not working properly? I don't want to take apart the saw unless I know it is the culprit of a non-starting situation.

 

[a. palmer jr.]

If your saw has good compression and spark at the right time and still won't run right or doesn't start you can look at the fuel system which a reed valve is part of. What kind of saw do you have?

 

[Ted Jenkins]

On some models I just turned the reeds around made the saw almost like new. After some time the reeds do not close tight. After priming motor and still will not fire I agree that you will have to dig deeper. Thanks

 

[a. palmer jr.]

If you determine it is a fuel problem, once you get the carburetor off it's not that much more trouble to take the reed plate off. On some saws like my Homelite Super 2 the reed plate came out while I was pulling the carb off.

 

[Old2stroke]

A good indication of reeds not closing properly is spitback from the carb.

 

[monk34]

If your saw has good compression and spark at the right time and still won't run right or doesn't start you can look at the fuel system which a reed valve is part of. What kind of saw do you have?

my saw is a p 41 pionner and it has spark and good compression i can hold up the saw by the starter rope

 

[monk34]

If you determine it is a fuel problem, once you get the carburetor off it's not that much more trouble to take the reed plate off. On some saws like my Homelite Super 2 the reed plate came out while I was pulling the carb off.

if i do take off the carb should the reed valve be closed or open?

 

[snobdds]

Just put your thumb on the end of the carburetor with the choke closed, while everything is attached. Pull on the starter rope, make sure it's in the off position, and see if you feel a vacuum pulse. It's a quick way to see if they're working.

 

[rupedoggy]

I think you flooded it. Dry out the cylinder and the plug and try without the choke.

 

[a. palmer jr.]

if i do take off the carb should the reed valve be closed or open?

The reed valve will be closed. It opens and closes when the engine runs. It probably wouldn't hurt if it shows a little gap between the flap and the block but best if it closes all the way. Mainly when you take the reed valves out you look for broken reeds, sometimes they'll even be missing..