How A 2-Stroke Reed Valve Works | Fix Your Dirt Bike

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Learn more about your *Dirt Bike* here! → bit.ly/fydbhow

[@granttoye5852]

Great video with clear explanations! I plan on adding reeds to my 66/80 as a first mod

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Thanks!

[@keithduffield5239]

Nice demo - warm friendly demeaner - thank you.

[@bmjca123]

Hey I sucked in a quarter I inch square of reed vale into my right cylinder should I take the engine apart? I just notice today it wouldn’t run right took it apart and saw my reed was broken looks like fiberglass

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Ooof! Ya, looks like you'll need to split the case and check everything inside.

[@mattymccolgan9453]

Ok you earned that subscription! When I seen you only have 5,000 subscription I was surprised as this video is equal quality to someone like Cameron Niemela who has 100k subscribers... Keep it up mate

[@buryurfear14]

So simple! Only ever owned 4 strokes until my kids JR50 so I'm clueless to the differences. Great vid! sub'd.

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

buryurfear14 Glad you liked it!

[@tylermurphy7331]

Alrighty man thanks for the reply I had Bowen super stock carbon reeds and they just broke not to long ago I. Going to try the fiber reeds this time around

[@KentRoads]

Can one out of 4 reed petals slightly open (1mm), stop a single cylinder starting? Thanks in advance

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

It probably won't, but it definitely doesn't help.

[@xx3868]

Hi, i have a old Stihl weed whacker "no Reed valves" and after replacing all the seals ect for the "vacuum" section, it still wont work right as skirt to bore clearance which is supposed to me Max .152 mm is more than that. So this loose fit not only dont provide enough suction build up but also the sliding skirt past the inlet port not seal well like a reed valve would and the port and pulse line be almost zero as it seems to be when i test it?

[@SWFLJetSkiRiders]

After I ride on the lake got home to do a flush, turned on and my ski started to accelerating it self high , I checked the reeds 1 is tiny broken I see light tru it and. 1 I see light tru it , also my filters are kind of wet with oil . Replace reeds?

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Oh yeah

[@michaeleisenbise4278]

Well done. Very nice explanation. Thanks taking the time and making the effort to develop this video.

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Glad you liked it!

[@tdutton2098]

Hey John cool video. I have a 1998 cr250 and one of my reed petals broke and is possibly in my cylinder, what should I do? Thanks

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Oh damn dude! Looks like you need to pull the top end and see if you can fish it out of the crankcase. If you need any help you can always message me on FB. Let me know how it goes!

[@tdutton2098]

@@Fixyourdirtbike thanks man, I appreciate your help and support, your videos are always great. Have a great day an keep on rippin

[@camdencrotwell349]

I got this Polaris xplorer 300 4x4 with a little bit of power loss and some hard start situations but it only happens sometimes and other times it fires right up! I’m hoping it just needs some reeds replaced but if it ends up being a top end I’m not completely out

[@wyattoutlaw2370]

I’ve decided to restore my an rgv250 that has sat in a barn for 30years. Tank had skanky rusted fuel in it… will talk a bit to clean. I have ordered a new fuel tap and new fuel lines, battery and new radiator hoses. Should I replace reeds at this point?

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

I would replace them on principle. New carbon reeds will be far superior to stock 30 years later.

[@brandonwyatt3901]

Nice and straight to the point ,

[@16507487]

Hi John! I hope,you are well man. I am getting a slight over rev on my RM 125 and I am wondering if it could be the carb or the reeds ? It’s not terrible but it is irritating because it leads me to come into corners a bit hot even if I tap off early. The carb is jetted well so I am not too sure what it could be ? Maybe the needle needs to be adjusted ?

[@rylanmoore970]

My Yamaha blaster has been carburetor cleaned. I use the right oil to gas ratio. But when it get to higher rpm something starts to make a chirp noice. Please help

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Chirp? Rev it without the air box and see if exhaust comes out of the carburetor.

[@rylanmoore970]

Fix Your Dirt Bike I haven’t taken a look at the reeds yet

[@EarthSurferUSA]

@@Fixyourdirtbike I was thinking he ran over a bird. :)

[@levitrap6072]

Love you're channel brother, 👍👌👏 plz keep the vids flowing, I'm jus now getting back into mx again after a 15 year break

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Thanks for watching!

[@arturmarcio630]

gr8 video, greetings from Brazil!

[@theblackeyedone5464]

Thank you so much I was trying find the problem with my rm 250 this is it

[@jaundreswanepoel97]

Did your rm not rev out my rm doesn't rev out it revs to 3k rpm not more what is the problem

[@Sanjeevkumar-yv5th]

i have yamaha rx135 plz tell me upper side reed plates is its better tight or more loose for better performence in mid range and peak rpm too

[@VISHNUGAMER]

Brother wheater bad reed valves cause starting problem and slow speed problem in bike plz reply

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Yes

[@VISHNUGAMER]

@@Fixyourdirtbike my bike is rx135 it has pickup problem and slowspeed and starting problem , i checked all wiring but only reed valves is not changed can i change

[@radconserv68]

Thanks for making this. One day my scooter just died all of a sudden. When I cranked the engine, it seemed like it cranked faster than usual, which made me believe it lost compression. Is it possible the reed valve just broke?

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

If your valve broke you would definitely know. Reed valves usually wear out over time. I'd still check them though!

[@rickmarkley2167]

Can a bad read keep you from getting fuel from the fuel tank

[@YeetMeyer]

Hey i know im a couple years late in this vid but i have a 1974 honda elsinore mt250 it wont start it backfires and shoots smoke out the exost my dad says its the reeds so i looked it up and i found a few sites that say my bike didnt come with reeds can you or anyone help me?

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Is your ignition timing set right? Have you ever rebuilt the engine?

[@RedfishCarolina]

Can you recommend reed valves for a 1980 E70ELCSA 70hp Evinrude? This is on a 15ft bass boat. Has the right prop, rpm is 5400 at full throttle.

[@reacew8678]

good demonstration

[@condor5635]

Where is the reed valve in my Echo trimmer? I am guessing it is one of the little flaps on the diaphragm / gaskets that I replaced? Thanks for the great video!

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

If you have one it will be behind the carburetor.

[@mayberry6025]

awesome video dude, subscribed for more of this!

[@camselkirk7248]

Awesome video man. Thank you

[@SAWimp1]

can reeds be the cause of 4 stroking in a 2 stroke?

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Possibly. Bad reeds make 2-strokes go crazy. But reeds keep the mix in, bad reeds cause backdraft out of the carb, so it probably not causing the rich mix resulting in 4-stroking. Have you checked your floats/float level/flaot needle?

[@DialedRiders69]

Will work reeds also cause a flooding problem. I will start my bike and it will die shortly after. Let it sit for a little while and it starts back up then dies again. Pulled my feeds off and saw light in the corners of the right flaps. Also saw some excess gas sitting at the bottom of the reeds on the crank case.

[@adamskinner5868]

thanks, simple, clear and informative ;).

[@GunnyD]

Thanks for the video. What r the symptoms?

[@ExitDoink]

Hi When I take the air filter of my carb , I see white smoke (looks like exhaust gas) coming out of the air intake. The bike runs really poor idle and when I turn the throttle it bogs. I can't get it to rev. Does this have something to do with the Reed valves? Thanks

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Yes. Your reed valve needs to be replaced.

[@ExitDoink]

@@Fixyourdirtbike Thank you! 👍

[@ExitDoink]

@@Fixyourdirtbike I replaced the reeds and it worked, thank you so much!

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Glad to help!

[@acolonnh1]

Great down and dirty well executed video

[@legenderekonwheels]

Any experience with a PowerWing or PowerBlade??

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Nothing past "oh neat" when I see one, sorry.

[@legenderekonwheels]

@@Fixyourdirtbike I've been thinking about getting another one to try. I had a PowerNow blade (discontinued) on my '03 kx100 and it really did make a significantly improved difference in throttle response. That thing ran great all year round. Never messed with jetting

[@superflanker972]

It is the reed valve problem if the engine wont stay idle and it shuts off suddenly?when i check the reed valve it has probably in 1mm gap..my bike Suzuki panther txr150

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Yes, and harder to start also probably. They are suppose to sit flush on the cage. If the petals are not damaged/broken/chipped/frayed on the edges, then you may be able to flip the petals upside down to see if they sit flat better. You can usually get more life out of them that way, but a 1mm gap sounds like a lot. New reed petals should be on your shopping list.

[@psilos-nl8gg]

I have a cr 250 97 with v force 3 (w) . Do i have to put a bigger main jet?? Will it work lean with the v force ??

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Yes, you will probably need to increase your main jet size.

[@psilos-nl8gg]

I think that it's 165 now . I will need a bigger one is that right??

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

165 is smaller than stock. So bump up to a 175 to get a baseline tune and go from there.

[@psilos-nl8gg]

Ok thank you for helping me.. if i want something more to ask do you have a page on Facebook or something like that???

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

@@psilos-nl8gg You can message me on facebook! facebook.com/FixYourDirtBike

[@1slattnite188]

Can it be a reason why my bike doesn’t stay idling ? I’ve already tried to adjust the air screw on the carburetor and the idle on the choke and that’s the only way it will stay idling . But it’s strange because the choke looks like it’s coming up all the way after I’ve turned it and that’s the only way it will stay idling. cr125 1994 btw. I should probably adjust my jetting too

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Possibly, but It wouldn't hurt to change your reeds if you haven't in a while and see if it helps. After that double check your jetting.

[@MechInvent]

I wish you did get into "the whole other list of problems" because that is my problem

[@nainka11]

Thanks .......and Well done

[@here_to_watch2115]

Can bad Reed's cause a low compression reading ?

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

No, because you are measuring the compression of the cylinder above the transfer port.

[@listomoto]

Can a reed valve can cause more gasoline consumptions?

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

YES!

[@listomoto]

@@Fixyourdirtbike how

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

@@listomoto When the reed valve doesn't close during compression, it will send pressure out through the carburetor, creating vacuum, but in the wrong direction, shooting fuel out of the carb intake.

[@listomoto]

@@Fixyourdirtbike i have a bike that consumes too much gas compare to other exact model. when checking my reed valve the tip of the petals is curved resulting from a small 2mm gap opening. do you recommend replacing it?

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Yes

[@orivera215]

And that's why my Banshee lost power and wouldn't rev .. Reed petals were chipped

[@gmindgjerd]

Learning. Thanks brother.

[@localenterprisebroadcastin5971]

Love the doc brown reference

[@wojciech8881]

I have just done one simple test on my brand new KTM which has small gaps on the reeds. I disasembeld air filter and started engine. I was watching the carburetor intake side during slight throttle opening. I also opened choke to richen mixture. I saw fuel mixture coming back to the air filter box at slow rpms. I did the same test on Beta with V-Force. The result was the same. I don't know if the reeds have gaps but I going to check it. So both bikes don't have good tight reed valve or a little of moxture can go back to the airfilter side and it is normal? Any suggestion?

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Your reed valves should have no gaps, fuel back flowing into the air box is a sign of bad reeds. Do both bikes have the same model of carburetor?

[@TheYoungnut27]

Excellent video plan and simple model 👍🏼👍🏼

[@zaimahmamat3141]

Thank bro

[@EarthSurferUSA]

You do a good vid man. Nice to see in YT land. :)

[@PhilArttz]

thank fking god I found your channel, I can finally fix my damn scooter. greeting from germany!

[@kxlucifer]

Do you need a window piston to run a reed valve?

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Good question! No, you do not need to run a windowed piston with a reed valve.

[@kxlucifer]

@@Fixyourdirtbike thank you.

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Anytime!

[@jesseshanor4991]

Can broken reeds cause low compression

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

No, the reeds have no effect on the combustion chamber or rings. However bad reeds will keep fuel/air from reaching the combustion chamber, which causes a lack of power.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

@@Fixyourdirtbike A broken reed will blow back "primary compression", (the crank case pressure), back into the carb tract a bit, so it does lower primary compression, (probably just at lower rpm's), and that means the bottom end is not filling as well as it should, which would then fill the cylinder a bit less and make less power. But because the compression does not start until after the exhaust port is closed on the up-stroke, (sans pipe effects), you should be right about the cylinder compression not effected.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Oh,---watching more of the vid,---that's what you said. :) I just get a little anxious I guess. Sorry.

[@cody-gaming7593]

Would this make your carbourator leak?

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

What kind of leak? Exhaust coming out of the carb? Or a super lean mix? Exhaust = Yes Lean mix = Yes, if the gasket is bad, otherwise, no.

[@cody-gaming7593]

@@Fixyourdirtbike either my float keeps getting stuck because it comes out of the overfill kinda like I was doing wheelies

[@cody-gaming7593]

@@Fixyourdirtbike or maybe it’s lean idk how to jet or fuck with air fuel mixture it all sounds the same on my quad

[@cody-gaming7593]

@@Fixyourdirtbike and it all smokes the same

[@mikehunt3767]

My yz125 idles but when I put it into gear I can ride it for 200ft before it’s sputter and stops, could the reed valves be the issue? I just did a carb rebuild and top end rebuild.

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

What's your spark plug look like? Do you have fuel residue on the intake side of the carb?

[@richardpacheco9330]

Thanks for the explanation.

[@benr8071]

Anyone know about getting improved Reed valves in a 09 f570?

[@girthbrooks24]

Clear and concise 👍

[@babelbear]

Clear, detailed, interesting. You get my vote

[@joeywebb4796]

some one told me if they are bad it can mess with the spark plug is this true

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Not directly. But, with unburnt fuel accumulating in the crankcase, it will eventually richen the air/fuel in the cylinder enough to foul your plug.

[@cheeseburgerrunner5217]

Quick, simple easy explanation. Thanks dude 🤘

[@desertrider325]

Thanks!

[@guiltygearcore]

Reed valve in an nutshell.

[@justindwyer3832]

My 1995 KTM 250 ran like shit. Zero bottom end but takes off in power band. I saw some daylight in reeds. I replaced with boyeseen reeds but still not completely sealed. Do I need a new Reed cage or is a tiny bit of space ok? I'm talking less than probably half the thickness of the Reed . I haven't re installed yet

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Your new reeds are good to run, that little gap isn't that big of an issue, its when the reeds fatigue that they don't close right. But it does sound like you're jetting is rich at low throttle.

[@johnquinn9759]

Thanks

[@MaWaMYaj]

can a faulty ree valve be considered a cause foe a smokey exhaust?

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

It's possible, but you most likely need to repack your silencer.

[@TheDarios1988]

Fix your dirt bike, can bad Reed valves cause gas/oil mixture pooling on the bottom of my filter/air box? Also can’t seem to get it running fine, took it for a ride and it waisted 3 gallons on an 2hr ride when all my friends had about 1/2 tank of gas left? Any help would be appreciated thank you

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

YES! That's a sign of really bad reed valves. The high fuel consumption is the first stage of failing reeds, and fuel mix in your air box means it's getting all the way through the carb, which is why your bike won't run right, so get those valves fixed ASAP!

[@TheDarios1988]

Yes,thank you very much

[@mauritzvonzijl4220]

Fix Your Dirt Bike could the same be said if my carb overlows ONLY after the bike is warm? I reckon it could be pressure from the engine pushing back on the fuel in the float, which opens the float needle. I’ve cleaned that carb thoroughly and its not due to dirt/grime. It only overflows when the engine is warm and then it flows drastically.

[@RSL_Louie]

Could this cause my cr125 not to kick over?

[@dfish905]

How does the valve close on the down stroke

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Each reed petal is like a spring and closes on it's own. That's why you loose power when the petals get worn out. When they can't close they let the air/fuel mix back into the carb instead of up through the transfer port.

[@dfish905]

Oh ok thank you

[@128gardener]

Fix Your Dirt Bike would this cause a no start situation?

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

If the reeds are bad enough, yes, but it's not likely.

[@tylermurphy7331]

How about boysen super stock fiber reeds?

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Tyler Murphy Can't go wrong with Boysen!

[@dkwatters8476]

I have been having bogging problem when full throttle in 4th and 5th gear on 2003 cr250. do I need new reeds?

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

I would check your main jet first. It may be clogged, or if your spark plug is wet, you are running too rich.

[@hiphopaDIZZL]

lean the carb out brah

[@ovhgermany9958]

i have Boyesen reeds for my kx 100

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Hey big fella. Where did you get those cookie jars? :)

[@ivanwasaff1011]

Hi friends , i need help to buy a new cylinder for my CR 250 '99 , because i need the 12101-KZ3-J10 , but i only find 12101-KZ3-L10 , and that is for the 2000-2001 model , there is some difference betwen this models? or simply the 2000-2001 dont fit (or work ) in the 99 ? , greetings from Chile!

[@vidar0000]

Krassna Wasaff Call a Honda dealer and ask them ;)

[@g.g4816]

Great video

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Thanks!

[@Tbirdshockey7]

Thanks for this video I learned a lot!

[@oprxghost]

So the reed valve is pretty much the powerband?

[@middlesiderrider]

No. The powerband is the rpm range where the bike makes the best power/usable power. It varies due to many factors. Such as; you could have two different expansion chambers, and on the same bike one might make power down low while the other makes power at higher rpm. Changing the expansion chamber effectively changes the powerband, or the rpm range that the bike makes power

[@ridebc153]

I love this guys you tube name. Lol

[@jayppop3333]

Great video thanks

[@mxgryan]

well said bro!

[@justinpurton3514]

hi mate my sons ktm50 is and pain to start and whn it starts it runs bad ive turnd my reeds over this mean there no good

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

I'm not sure what you mean by turned the reeds over.

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Justin Purton I just now realized what you meant when you said turn them over. I have never turned the petals on any 2-stroke I've owned. I was told long ago that the fatigued petals have a higher chance of breakage when turned.

[@jaybob-uh8hm]

i know this is an old comment but i had to speak up. i have the v force 3 reed valve in my 2001 honda cr125 i have had my petals reversed based on slight outward curve they are still working 100% even moto tassinari who make the v force reed valve say it is totally fine to turn the reed petals around with no issue just get a spare set of petals ready to replace THEM they wont be to good after they have been turned. I KNOW THIS IS AN OLD COMMENT.

[@kendolbowens1049]

I got a 96 ktm exc 300 and it keep killing the plugs think is the reed valves? Or can u help me solve the problem?

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Reed valves will cause fuel issues, but what is your carburetor jetting like? How long since your last reed valve service?

[@kendolbowens1049]

Reed valves looks fine to me.cant remember my jetting I will check but if I put in a new plug it start fine rides like for and hour or less wen u stop it won’t start again put a new plug and it starts and ride again and the old plus is dead

[@kendolbowens1049]

My main jet is 170,slow jet 42,needle N85D

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Sounds like your main is too big. Drop to a 168 and see what happens.

[@kendolbowens1049]

Fix Your Dirt Bike ok

[@2stepYo]

thx

[@markhawkins5324]

Great explanation

[@FreddyFunderbunz]

Will sasso doing 2-strokes now!?

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Joke's on you, I'm a Sass man.

[@funnyfudgeman16]

How do I know my reed valve needs replacing?

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Noticeable power loss in high gear, and look for fuel/oil residue in your carb throat between the slide and the reeds.

[@danielwoodgate007]

How many miles roughly will they last on my Vespa T5?

[@44mroliver]

well done

[@ilham7345]

I wonder how it would affect the power if it uses tesla valve instead 🤔🤔🤔

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

HAHA! I think that only works on water though. But the length would make for some great fuel atomization if it could fit.

[@CarpinteroJesus]

Sorry but I didn't understand, was this video about Reed valve or about your face?

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Face

[@Sabotageselfie]

In the werds of southparks- stans dad: thaaaaaaaaaanks !!

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

"I though this was America!"

[@gurbazzsingh3909]

Hey what happened to the cookies from the cookie jar???🤔🤔

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

John stole the cookie from the cookie jar! 🍪

[@mikewilliams7330]

Great video!!!!!!!!

[@sotopr7]

Bad reed valve, will couse lost of compression

[@RSL_Louie]

Or start at all

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

If the reads are bad enough yes, but reeds are low on the list of why a bike won't start.

[@dreadknot2238]

1:50 so you vape.

[@wahyudiace5714]

Yamaha

[@arincstingray611]

Who invent reed valve ?

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

The reed valve was built into the original design of the 2-stroke engine that was patented in 1894 by Joseph Day.

[@Ryan46]

Where are the cookies

[@Homelice]

Where'd your eyebrows go?

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Burned the follicles when I was a kid playing with fireworks

[@Homelice]

damn. Im new to 2 strokes but want to be a mechanic in the future. Great informative video though

[@Fixyourdirtbike]

Thanks for watching! Good luck!