2 cycle reeds

[Rocketman]

How do you tell when your reeds need to be replaced?
I'm tearing my 250r motor apart to replace all the gaskets.
The kid I got it from redid the motor, but he reused the old
gaskets, so guess what it is leaking oil like crazy...

Any way back to my question, I took the reeds out and on the top one they lay nice and flat against the body of reed cage. But on the other one there are some gaps along the edge. The ends lay down along the cage, but in the middle there is a gap. Sort of like they are warped a little. There don't look to be any tears or cracks anywhere. Should I replace them?

Thanks

[roadx]

replace them, there shouldn't be any gaps. if you want more top end get stiffer reeds if you want more bottom go softer. older they get the softer and you lose top end but gain bottom to a certain point where they curl and you lose your seal.

[Rocketman]

Ok, the next question is with what kind. I was told it had Boyesen reeds in it. That is probably just the fiber reeds and not the whole reed body right? The picture in the manual, and Partsfish.com show some metal fingers on the outside of the fibers, but mine doesn't have them. Shoult it? And the Clymer manual I have says you have to replace the whole assembly, and not just the reeds. But I'm guessing that is bunk, right?

Thanks
Randy

[Caterpillar]

Don't worry about the metal fingers, I took mine out. I am running Boyesen 2 stage power reeds, but there are more kinds out there, so go with what ever blows your hair back. Consider a reed spacer as well, they clean up your bottom end. A buddy of mine built me one out of aluminum.....

[roadx]

what caterpillar said, what ever spins your wheels, carbon fiber reeds last longer, 2 stage is a nice compromise. some you may need to adjust/rejet the jetting. just something to look out for.