Super Jet Checking my reeds

Hey guys, I bought a used superjet that has had some engine work done on it. I have read that it is a wise decision to replace the stock stainless reeds with fiberglass or carbon fiber reeds due to the fact that if one breaks it won't frag my engine. I was wondering if there is any way I can check to see if I have carbon reeds without pulling the manifold. I am going through the whole ski now so (hopefully) I can ride it uninterrupted this summer (but we all know that won't happen).
 
Could I just remove the carb to check the reeds? I don't want to go tearing into it if I don't know what I'm doing. I don't want to have to buy other gaskets if I don;t have too.

Edit: What about mirrors? Like a dentist's mirror?
 
Last edited:

Midlake Crisis

Site Supporter
Location
Bakersfield, CA
It is worth it to just buy the gaskets and pull the carb. Be sure to look at the contact surface underneath the reeds - they can look good from the outside but the contact surface can get cracked and have chunks missing that prevent a good seal, even when the reeds themselves look good.
I know this because my new reed blocks are arriving tomorrow. . .
 

Tyler Zane

Open Your Eyes
The stainless ones are pretty reliable, more so than carbon reeds i would say. Sure they can break, but what cant? I wouldnt pull the manifold off just to see, ya may as well buy new reeds and swap them if your gonna do the labor. Chances are if they are carbon, they are probably worn.
 
I just pulled the carb off, checked them, and replaced the gasket and came back here to see this. I don;t have the cash to drop on new reeds right now, but they looked okay, even though I know there may be pieces missing. It runs well so I'm not messing with it til I lose power, or the season ends.
 

Tyler Zane

Open Your Eyes
hey i was just trying to save ya some time bro.

Did the gasket come off easy? You can use a light coat of grease on both sides of the gasket so that it will come off easy next time and can be reused a few times.
 
hey i was just trying to save ya some time bro.

Did the gasket come off easy? You can use a light coat of grease on both sides of the gasket so that it will come off easy next time and can be reused a few times.

No it had to come off in pieces. I put grease on the new one though. I just want to get everything set straight so I don't end up dead in the water halfway through the season.
 
Top Bottom