What are the purpose of reeds?

[RXz71]

Just replaced my Reeds in my 02 RX The front cylinder's reed plate was cracked. What is the purpose of these things?

 

[JJinSC]

I am no two stroke expert, but I believe it is to keep the compression of the engine from pushing fuel back out the carbs.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

they are one way valves for the engine, air/fuel IN but not out.

 

[Dr Honda]

they are one way valves for the engine, air/fuel IN but not out.

yep.... what he said. They are your intake valves.

 

[RXz71]

Alrighty Thanks Guys!

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

Did you go OEM or Carbon Tech?

 

[RXz71]

Got from the dealer. so Oem, Which one is better?

 

[mikidymac]

OEM all day long. They will last longer than anything and will give the same performance as all the other aftermarket brands.

 

[RXz71]

Well, that's good. Because that's whats in there now. LoL.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

I tried some carbon tech ones, they seem to give it a hair more punch between 2-4k, but honestly, it's so hard to tell that I don't think it can really be verified... i can say if there is a difference, it's not worth any cost difference.

 

[JJinSC]

A word of caution. Dealers do carry aftermarket parts, but usually tell you if that is what they have in stock. I would make sure I told them I want OEM only.

 

[RXz71]

So this is why my ski wouldn't go above 15mph.

 

[Dr Honda]

Those look like carbon reeds.

I dont' know why any of the reed companies think Carbon is an OK product for this use. Carbon fiber... when in resin, is VERY stiff. That's why they use it in aircraft, and supercar bodies. It's not a good material to flex thousands of times a minute, and for a long time.

The only usable material for reeds is either Fiberglass, or stainless steel.

I had a reed issue too, in my Islandia engine. But mine was because the rod let go. (lol)