reed cages

[20basstriton]

I have a 03 200xs opti serial number ot653032 and I would like to get some advice on prepping the reed cages for installation of new tdr reeds

[EuropeanAM]

See inside leaflet/cover of the replacement reeds for general directions.

Normally, I would recommend that you obtain:

-Glass sheet (approximately 12" x 12")
-Wet/Dry Sandpaper (180, 220, 600 Grits)
-Soapy water, or VERY lightweight oil.

Keep paper WET during the entire process.

Starting with lower grit paper, and keeping the reed mounting surface FLAT on the paper, work in straight-line sanding (lengthwise on the cage) for 120 grit until you can see that you have contacted the ENTIRE surface (do NOT sand any more than absolutely necessary, as removing all of the rubber from the cage WILL have adverse affects).

Repeat with 220 grit to remove course sand marks.

Repeat in small-circular motion strokes with 600 or 800 grit, so as tosmooth out and remove any scratches from earlier lapping.

WASH BLOCKS WITH SOAP AND WATER when finished, to ensure PERFECTLY clean.

EXAMPLE (Note that these are 3L ProXS Carbon-Fiber Reeds, with narrow-seal lip around each reed window):

Resurfaced Block.jpg

TRIAL FIT the new reed petal to the reed block, holding the screw-area down with your fingers while inspecting from the open-end of the reed block.

TrialFit.jpg

EXAMPLE OF A POORLY-SEALED REED (note that .020" or less standoff IS ACCEPTABLE):

PoorFit.jpg

SIMPLY FLIP THE REED PETAL OVER TO ACHIEVE A GOOD SEAL (No light seen through block):

GoodSeal.jpg

Apply new reed petals to cage with 2-stoke oil coating entire sealing surface area (and no dust, hair, etc). Install reed retaining hardware, and stops (or strips) with RED liquid loctite on screws (do NOT over-torque)... best to use a Torq Screwdriver (set to the APPROPRIATE TORQUE).

10lbs-in.jpg

Screws WITH lock-washers: 8 INCH LBS.

Screws WITHOUT lockwashers: 10 INCH LBS.

NOW sit back and take pride in your hard work... before mounting the reed blocks to the reed plate per Service Manual instructions.

FinishedSet.jpg

Hope this helps....

[20basstriton]

thanks Don