ORIGINAL: Ralph White

We had a problem starting our DLE 111 after about 300 flights. All of a sudden it would not start, but just run the choke prime out and quit. After working on the engine all day and taken the tank and carb apart we finally decided to take the carb and the plastic mount off. The reed bank is right below the carb. Only need to remove the carb and plastic to check the reed bank out. We discovered the reeds were damaged (ends chipped off). Replaced the reed bank (about $25.00) and the engine started and ran perfect again.

This may not be your problem, but it only takes about 10 minutes to check the reed bank. After our experience, any time the engine begins starting hard or not running properly the first item we are going to check is the reed bank. We not carry an spare reed bank with us at all times.