Reed valve boot Question

[87sheerips]

Ok, might be a stupid question but I dont know much about reed valves. When I was taking apart my reed assembly today, I noticed that one of the boots (the triangular black rubber that goes into carb) I think its the boot at least. One out of the two triangles on one side has a little tear on the edge. It ran great before i took it apart. Should I replace it? Sorry about the confusion but any help or lesson on reeds, boots, and cages would be great, thanks

[itsaripper]

OK I will try this. First you have the carberator, the outer end(big end) also known as the bell. Then the little end, goes toward the motor, into the boot. The boot is black rubber, round at carb going to square so it can bolt to motor. The reed cages are next. Square on outer end and inside look like the triangle you said. They go into the cylinder pointing down towards the base. The peddels are attached to it. Any cracks or ripping is not good. You should replace them. While you have them off port them and get some TDR reeds. That is one easy cheap mod you can do yourself .

[banshdog]

On the topic of reeds, what side of the reeds do you guys have your reed spacers? I have heard/seen them on both sides. has anyone dynoed both setups?

[87sheerips]

I have no ripping in the pedals, but the rubber boot that is still attached to the carb has two triangle boots on eack side. I am running keihin PWK 35mm carbs. I have some minor abrasion on ONE of them on ONE side. Doesnt efect reed pedals at all, but was concerned with possible leaking. The machine ran reat before I took it apart, and because of money imthinking about leaving it for now. Tell me what u think.

[svtkid78]

You don' want any rips in any rubber around the engine. Replace it.