How to Install a Reed Valve on a John Deere Snowmobile

John Deere began manufacturing snowmobiles in 1971 and continued to manufacture snowmobiles through 1984. The JDX model, produced between 1973 and 1975, had a reed valve motor. Reed valve motors consist of a one-way valve that lets fuel move into the engine and then closes, using the internal pressure changes to open when the pressure is low and close when the compression increases. Installing a new reed valve is necessary if the petals between the cylinder and carburetor break.

Adjustable wrench
Torque wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Park the John Deere snowmobile on a stable, flat surface and set the park brake. Let the snowmobile cool fully before proceeding with repairs.
- 2
  Locate the air box next to the carburetor and loosen the clamps on the air box and the intake manifold.
- 3
  Lift the carburetor away from the intake manifold and then pull forward to separate and remove the carburetor.
- 4
  Rotate the intake manifold mounting bolts counterclockwise to loosen and then slide out the intake manifold.
- 5
  Find the reed valve assembly on the right side manifold-carburetor compartment and remove the reed valve housing to pull out the reed valve. Disconnect the retaining screws and stops, followed by the old reeds from the reed block.
- 6
  Center the new reeds on the reed block and ensure the reeds lie flat. (Flip the reeds over if not flat.) Tighten the reed screws with a torque wrench to 1Nm. Do not overtighten.
- 7
  Replace the intake manifold, bolts, carburetor and air box. Tighten the clamps on the air box and intake manifold.

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