Can I damage reed valves by manually opening them?

[LargemouthBass21]

Was checking a fuel issue on a 2 stroke OMC outboard and I was making sure reed valves weren’t sticking. I gently pushed them open with the tip of a screw driver is it possible to bend them by doing this? I was very gentle while doing it

 

[oldboat1]

If sealing flush, should be fine.

 

[F_R]

The books will all caution about doing that, but get real, you won't damage anything if you are reasonable. Taking them apart and bending them with your fingers, or flipping them over is a different story.

 

[LargemouthBass21]

If sealing flush, should be fine.

Seems to be, I’ll run it

 

[LargemouthBass21]

The books will all caution about doing that, but get real, you won't damage anything if you are reasonable. Taking them apart and bending them with your fingers, or flipping them over is a different story.

Yeah I did it (seemed reasonable) and then saw a manual cautioning not to. Glad to know it’s not a problem, thank you!

 

[racerone]

Reed valves are quite robust.-----After all they open and slam shut 60 times / second at full throttle.-----They do this hour after hour faithfully.----Even after sitting for years they wake up and work.