Reed Valve

[dennisbailey]

I have Vance and Hines pipes with a Power Commander. My bike backfires when decellerating or going down hills. Utah Motorcyclist recommended I plug my reed valve. What the heck is a reed valve and how do I plug it. Learning to be a mechanic the hard way. But I know someone here can give me some direction. 2007 Nomad

[sharps45100]

Reed valves let air enter into the exhaust to help burn hydro carbons. J. Chuckster makes blocking plates and the instructions are on Gadgets site.

[skiman]

this will show you all you need is a marble.
http://www.gadgetjq.com/smogstuffremove.htm

Did you put stainless washers under the acorn nuts on the exhaust flanges they tend to bottom out before they get tight and cause air leaks which causes the popping too
If the marble doesn't reduce it then look for leaks an incense stick held around the exhaust flanges while the fan isn't running will show it if there is one .

[skeeter]

and adds aroma therapy to your meditations man.

[ndbigfish]

I put off the expense of coasters on the reed valves for a long time by using vacuum caps on the top of the reed valve covers. Coasters are the best way to cover the reed valve openings.

[sonny]

I did a baffelectomy on my '01 carbed with no backfire. Is there any other reason or advantage to blocking the reed valves?
Thanks for you time.

[dogleg]

I removed the covers, tapped and plugged them, then reinstalled. I'm all about a no cost solution.

[macmac]

best cure is coasters and capping the vac pod line at the throttle body, removing the medusa head of mongrell tubings and the vac pod.

next best is capping off the reed valve fittings and removing the above junk.

The fastest way is the marble.

I made my own coasters, but won't make then for sale since Chuck does. So there is a choice, you can buy his and he makes nicely done parts and includes chromed bolts the right size, for low dough IMO, or make you own.

Chucks are ready for paint, or polish. He dooes nice work as I had a set he made here and installed them on another guys bike.

[Jared]

Pull of the right side chrome dog bowl. Underneath it on the right there is a small rubber tube. Put a marble it it. Done.

It's easy to do. If you get lost while in the process, give me a call. I'd be more than happy to talk you through it.

[dennisbailey]

What does the reed valve do? Why is it not needed? Is this only if you have after market pipes and / or a power commander. Trying to learn a little here.

[Jared]

"On deceleration a valve sitting atop the engine is opened by vacuume allowing extra air into these valves and into the exhaust system. The extra air allows any unspent fuel to be burned reducing emissions but also causing the backfire you hear. The stock exhaust system covered all the pops so effectively you didn't even know it was happening."

[MAS Tequila]

Another plus from disabling the reed valves is the reduction of heat. A considerable drop in the amount of heat produced inside your right thigh makes riding more enjoyable.

MT

[mac]

Marbles.... so easy a caveman could do it.

[dennisbailey]

How many reed valves are there and are they all in the same place. This is going to be my weekend project along with a service.

[Jared]

If I remember right there is only one hose where you put the marble. It's been a while, so I could be correct.

If you start you weekend project at 9am you should be ready to hit the road and test it out around 9:15am