Question about reeds

[swm250R]

I had a question a few days ago about my 250r not running on the top end as well as ii thought it should have. I took everyone's suggestions and checked the plug, airbox, wiring, and cleaned the carb. after that I inspected the reeds and found one of the reed petals to be broken on the bottom side of the reed cage. Would this make the motor not rev all the way out? The bottom reed is missing about 1/8th to 1/4 of an inch from the tip. When you are at full throttle wouldn't the reeds be all the way open? And if so, how would this affect the lack of revs on the top end? Thanks again for the quick help. One more week and I am going on vacation and HOPEFULLY riding this new badboy. later, steve

[Fox250R]

If your reeds are broken and sucking air your bike will run like crap!

[TeamGeek6]

Yep, itll blow pressure back through the carb when the piston goes down. I experimented with making them leak on purpose, ran like CRAP!

Time for new reeds, and make sure the retainers are there to keep them from bending too far out.

And Loctite the little screws that hold them in ; )

[Billy Golightly]

Loctiting the screws is very, very good advice. Get the red too. You might have to ruin the screws when you remove them with vice grips later on but its better then one falling out and going into the engine. I still shudder at them pictures Howdy posted a couple years ago.

[swm250R]

Thanks for the advice. I am going to order new reeds right now. Which retainer are you talking about though? All that is on my reed block are the reeds and the metal strip that screws down on the reeds. Am I missing a piece? Thanks, steve.

[Jason Hall]

He is talking about the stock metal retainers, Usually they are taken off when stock reeds are replaced.

[TeamGeek6]

The retainers keep the reeds from swinging open too far on stock and bending too close to the screws. Aftermarket reeds might not need them, but at least if you dont install them, dont throw the retainers away.

I regret all the parts I tossed out..