it is probably a “limit not to exceed” so the downstroke of the piston will be able to close the reeds shut ensuring the crankcase pressure will expel all burnt vapors from the cylinder via the cyl. exhaust ports instead of spitting it back out the carb face…should the reeds be opened up .

the important aspect is that the reeds actually open to let the fresh fuel vapors into the crankcase and not back out.

my understanding of it anyway….. so it looks like your reeds are fitted perfectly

• This reply was modified 5 years ago by crosbyman.

Never heard that one before! Don’t mess with that reed plate…Loosening, rotating, flipping reeds over in an attempt to make the perfect fit usually ends up with broken reed petals…
Why is it that you have the reed plate off to begin with?

Pretty much any 18 I have ever had opened up has had the reeds flat and touching. It’s fine. Good, even.

Trust me, they’ll move if the motor is any good. But probably not enough to see with the motor jiggling around as you pull the rope.
Let’s put it another way. The reeds are probably the most reliable and trouble-free active working part on the motor.