Abstract: A valve assembly is provided for location in a fluid flow path between an intake manifold and a cylinder for preventing blow back from the cylinder into the manifold and for reducing back pressure in said manifold on an internal combustion engine. The assembly comprises a plurality of valved units each having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is operatively connected to the intake manifold, and the outlet is operatively connected to the cylinder. A valve member is disposed on each of the units and is flexible between a valve open position where the member is offset from the outlet, and a valve closed position where the member operatively closes the outlet, thereby preventing reversed fluid flow from the cylinder into the intake manifold. A novel method of assembling the reed valve assembly of the present invention is also provided.