Starting Problems
 

I have a DLE 30 which ran great last year. After storing dry for the winter I'm having trouble hand starting it. With a prime it runs great and once run starts on the second or third flip. I checked my tank and fuel lines, replaced the carborator filter screen and diaphram but no cigar. When disassembled the carborator has gas pooled in both the screen and diaphram sides but apparently it's not getting to the engine. When I remove the plug it's slightly damp but not what I'd call wet. I'm relatively new to gas but am learning. I read through some of the posts and if I understand correctly the reed block may be contributing to my problem. Is my assumption correct and what exactly is the reed blocks function.
Thanks for any help,
Rich

RE: Starting Problems
 

The reeds are like one-way valves for the fuel/air mix.

Check for air leaks under the carb or if it has a pressure pulse line check for leaks there.

RE: Starting Problems
 

Your engine's crank case has pressure and vacuum inside depending on if the piston is going up or down.

The reed valve is a directional one-way valve that opens when there is a vacuum inside the crankcase and closes when there is pressure.

When there is pressure inside the crank case and the transfer ports to the combustion chamber are opened by the piston - the pressure in the crankcase escapes to the combustion chamber.

DLE reed valve blocks sometimes warp slightly causing the the reed valves to not seal very well.

RE: Starting Problems
 

many reed blocks benefit from a careful planing using 200 grit sandpaper on a glass plate. The screw holes must be slightly deburred so the reads can seat real flat.