Porider mentioned piston skirt in a response to karboo.

Is the piston skirt another name for the reed valve, and if so hard tough is it to change out? Would it be something to check out after taking off the carburetor?

 

Piston skirt and the reed valve are totally different.
Reed sits between the carb and jug aka the cylinder on a 2 stroke.
Piston skirt is the lower side metal on the piston its self.

 

Ok, I get it. Later this year, I plan to rebuild the carburetor.

I surmise that I will be close to the reed valve.

Is this something I should go ahead replace while I am down there, or is it something that usually does not have to be replaced?