Thanks, i will replace the reeds and make sure my carb is clean. Will an air compressor help?

 

I personally don't use a compressor but I don't see why not. Try cleaning the jets first before changing the reeds you may not need to go that far. And if a bolt is broke for no reason that would suck.

 

Also the reed valves are accessed by taking the top end off? Would i have to be replacing gaskets when re-assembling?

 

And i want to replace reeds just to make sure they aren't metal, i think old ones are and it is a 1985 suzuki so i might want to do that.

 

Ignore my last two posts please. If the reed valves are damaged, is there any chance they will damage the engine? They have never been replaced. Also I want to keep this old bike so I can learn on it. Is it worth it?

 

Well if they happen to have cracked and a piece broke then pretty much yes they can damage bearings and stuff, it had to go somewhere. And yes it's definately worth keeping, the old 2 strokes are getting harder and harder to come across. First thing I would do is get a manuel for it I like clymer. It is said that reeds are a wear item and general maintenence says they should be changed once a year, so if they haven't ever been changed then it's probably a good idea.

 

Yes everything on that bike is 25 years old except the spark plug. It is nearly impossible to start up now, so i think it would be the reeds if that makes sense. The ATV compared to modern ones, would it fall far behind?

 

When you start are you pushing the throttle. Try from cold, full choke 2 slow kicks on the third kick it hard and don't touch the throttle let the choke start it. My 250r will not start if I try to push the throttle when I kick it.

 

I tried starting with two slow kicks and then one hard on choke. It ran for a few seconds and than quit. I never gave it throttle and tried kick starting a few times more but never got it started again. I don't understand what it could be. I ordered parts to replace the reed valve and the reed valve gaskets along with the top and gaskets, all original. Do you think that is the problem? Something else i should look in to?

 

Yes clean the carb. Clean the pilot jet real good, it sounds to me like a fuel delivery problem not the reeds independently. Bad reeds may be making the problem worse but I think the root of your problem is in the carb. Are you getting good fire from the spark plug? Did you take the spark plug out and kick it to see if it's firing good? Even if you did get it professionally cleaned dosn't mean it's clean enough or that some trash didn't get into it after you re installed it.