Pictures of stock reeds - are these worn out?

[mbosma]

These came out of a 2003 CR250. The bike is cutting out on the low end when it gets warm. I've been through the electrical, carburator, new top end, leak down test and everything looks good. As you can see in the pictures, there is a small chip on the first outside edge of the first reed petal. Will this cause the bike to stall at low RPMs under a load? They all seal well and snap back into place like they are supposed to. It's just the first time I've worked on reeds and don't really know what to look for.





What would you suggest? Does anyone know where I can get some cheap stock reeds to replace these and see if it's my problem with the bike?

[DRGSin393]

hold them up to the light-you shouldnt see any light peeking thru. sometimes you can just flip them over and get some more time out of them. of course, make sure they arent frayed or cracked.

[MXtras]

In the second pic it looks like the pedals are standing off the cage by quite a bit. Is this the case or is it simply an illusion?

DRGs pretty much summed it up in the above post.

Scott

[DRGSin393]

Originally Posted by MXtras

In the second pic it looks like the pedals are standing off the cage by quite a bit. Is this the case or is it simply an illusion?

DRGs pretty much summed it up in the above post.

Scott

wooHooo! Im a learnin sumthin!

[mbosma]

They are all tight against the cage, but one of the corners is missing. It still seals well against the cage though.

[bikepilot]

Probably not causing the running issue if they really are sealing, but should be replaced ASAP as they are seriously compromised and you don't want bits of carbon fiber in your motor.

[yzernie]

Originally Posted by DRGSin393

wooHooo! Im a learnin sumthin!

Ya know, I was going to say the same thing...in the nicest way of course!!

I don't think you are seriously compromising the engine but if there is a broken edge they probably should be replaced soon. If you are still getting a good seal I say...if it ain't broke, don't fix it!!

[dklassen]

It's time for a replacement if the reeds are chipped. The bike is also pushing 7 yrs old. Have you checked the bottom end? If it was mine, I'd replace the crank bearings and seals considering the age of the bike. We had a bike that cut out when it was warm and it turned out to be the CDI unit. You said you went through the electrical - does that mean that every component was tested within spec? How new is the coil wire? A dirty carb or worn out float needle can do similar things to what you describe. Good Luck.

[Freak]

any part of the reed missing is a problem.