OMC or AFTERMARKET REEDS???

[Boilermaker]

I am thinking I may need new reeds on my 1978 115hp Johnny. Last year when I had it tuned after being laid up for many years>> the mechanic said that he found acorns (apparently from mice making a winter home) in the carb and one stuck in the reeds. The engine ran fine, but I noticed it idled a little rougher then I remember (coughs on occation) and I seemed to have more fuel residue around the carbs after running then I ever remeber.<br />Does it make sence to replace with the factory replacement, or should I get an aftermarket reed set??? <br />I saw some recommend the " BOYESEN REEDS" for others>>>Could I expect any improvements from them??? <br />This engine is mounted on a 18ft modified vee hull, and is used for fishing, skiing, tubing & family fun>>(mostly fishing).<br />Thanks for any help!

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: OMC or AFTERMARKET REEDS???

I run the Boyesen reeds in my v-4, and really like them. They improve performce clear across the board. To me! they are the most noticable at idle and mid-range. If you install them, richen the idle mixture, as a lean spit back is hard on them.

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: OMC or AFTERMARKET REEDS???

Boilermaker.....Have you rebuilt the carbs since it has been sitting? Maybe they are running rich.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: OMC or AFTERMARKET REEDS???

I agree with R.Johnson completely. I've ran them in everything from a 9000 rpm 325 HP V6 to a stock fish/ski motor. Fix the lean spit first . That will destroy them.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Boilermaker]

Re: OMC or AFTERMARKET REEDS???

Thanks guys.<br /><br />MMCPECK > yea, the local OMC shop did full carb rebuilds & tune>>>thats when they found the acorn in the reed.<br /><br />R.JOHNSON, & DHADLEY> I was thinking it was couching (maybe wrong discription) because it was loading up, or not sealing the reeds at low speed.<br />Runs ok at idle, a little rough, but not too bad, and fine at mid & high throttle>>> I thought it was loading up or had reed problems because of the fuel mix residue I find around the carb mouths after a day on the water. <br /><br />DHADLEY> I can't wait for the warmer weather so I can try the new STILLETO pro you recommened>>Santa left one under the tree . Now I have to wait till the warm weather to start playing with dialing in the setup. Wondering if the Boyensen reeds will improve performance & fuel consumtion??? <br />Thanks again<br />Jim

 

[walleyehed]

Re: OMC or AFTERMARKET REEDS???

In my opinion, you would be a fool not to install the Boyesen reeds if you have the carbs off, or want better performance in all aspects.<br />I wouldn't install a set of factory reeds unless they were the ONLY reeds available.<br />You have to richen the idle circut with Boyesens-it's all in the instructions provided with the reeds....follow them to the letter and you won't be dissapointed.......

 

[Dhadley]

Re: OMC or AFTERMARKET REEDS???

I'm glad santa was good to you too. Let us know how you make out!<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[walleyehed]

Re: OMC or AFTERMARKET REEDS???

Yea, and if you SEE Santa, tell'em I'm lookin' for his rear-end, cause I think he missed my house.........

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: OMC or AFTERMARKET REEDS???

I have always heard that you have to re-jet if you use the Boyensen reeds. Any truth to this?? 91' 70 HP Rude...

 

[Dhadley]

Re: OMC or AFTERMARKET REEDS???

If the motor spits at idle it will burn the reed tips almost immidately. So, to cover theirselves Boyesen tells you to richen up the idle circuit. Some older motors will spit at idle simply from the "leaner" fuel we have today compared to when the carb was built and calibrated. At any rate you want to make sure the motor idles as it should. If it spits now at idle, Boyesens will not cure that. <br /><br />Good luck!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: OMC or AFTERMARKET REEDS???

Dhadley <br /><br />It's a 91' 70 HP Rude that runs perfect now. It does not spit back at all. Although, when starting cold, if it doesn't hit on the first few cranks, it will kind of stop and "Backup", if you know what I mean. Otherwise it always starts right up. What can I expect from these reeds, performance wise? Also, I have heard that if it does break or Eat a redd, it will not harm the engine. It will just blow it out the exhaust. True? Am I better off to just stay with what I have or try out the Boyesen reeds and see what I get?

 

[Franki]

Re: OMC or AFTERMARKET REEDS???

hi, just curious..<br /><br />Pricing in australia is all messed up..<br /><br />what roughly are boyseen reeds for midsized outboards worth in the US?? <br /><br />I used to use them back when I raced motorX.<br />would be nice to put them into my johnson 100HP.<br /><br />rgds<br /><br />Franki

 

[Dhadley]

Re: OMC or AFTERMARKET REEDS???

RB -- If your motor doesnt spit back now then you should be OK. Personally, on initial cold start up I like to open the primer to almost flood the motor out. This gets everything wet and prevents a "cold sneeze". IE -- when the motor starts and goes into fast idle (set manually or in Quick Start) I tap the key to let the primer inject more fuel. The rpms will come down, I stop tapping and the rpms come up. I do this for a few seconds and then let the motor warm up on its own. This helps prevent the "cold sneeze" that has the potiental to burn the reed tips. <br /><br />Franki -- I'm not sure what the reeds cost here. It's been a few years since I worked at a distributorship where we sold them.

 

[Boilermaker]

Re: OMC or AFTERMARKET REEDS???

THANKS GUYS!!!<br />>>Kenny, Maybe Santa left YOUR stuff under MY tree>>>SORRY BROTHER!<br /><br />Do yea think maybe I will find a new set of carbonfiber reeds in my EASTER BASKET

 

[Dhadley]

Re: OMC or AFTERMARKET REEDS???

Too funny!!

 

[walleyehed]

Re: OMC or AFTERMARKET REEDS???

Franki, don't quote me here, but I'm thinking around 100 bucks (US) for a V4.....It's only been a year, and my memory is shrinking like you-know-what........

 

[OBJ]

Re: OMC or AFTERMARKET REEDS???

Just ran across the post and here's my .02 worth.<br /><br />I've installed Boyesen Reeds in both my 50hp John and 90hp Rude. I've run them in the 50 now going on 6yrs without a problem. You can see the results immediately after installation...and if they are installed correctly. Very smooth operation at all ranges.<br /><br />Follow the instructions to the letter. Don't fudge. I had to drop 5 sizes in the idle air jets on the 90. The instructions also covers this area.<br /><br />Sorry to hear about your "memory" loss Kenny <br /><br />I think the set for V4's run around $125.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: OMC or AFTERMARKET REEDS???

OBJ <br /><br />I know you speak of a better idle, but have you noticed any difference in other performance?. Such as Midrange, Low end pick-up or top speed. Also, any diff. in fuel milage?? Also, is it true that if one breaks, it will just get thrown out by the exhaust and not tear up the engine? I'm trying to weigh the positive and negatives of installing them on my 91' 70 HP Rude.<br /><br />Thanks,

 

[walleyehed]

Re: OMC or AFTERMARKET REEDS???

Rick, if I may add as well, my low-end punch and midrange is like it's a whole different engine, almost "intimidating" if you compare it to the stock reeds.<br />Top-end, I honestly can't say I gained any, but some claim 200-300 higher rpm...I didn't see that on my 115.<br />Gas mileage?? well, I personally have a hard time staying under 5k, and 5200 "feels" good to me for my boat, but it doesn't use quite as much fuel in an average day as my last 115 did.<br />I do believe if a guy was to run in the 4k range for cruise, the fuel economy would be much better with the boyesens, than stock.<br />I have never broke a reed on an outboard, but I have chewed up a few on snowmobiles, and yes, we run boyesen in most of the carbed sleds too, but I've never seen any damage due to breakage yet...pull the airbox, install another set, and continue on.<br />K

 

[muskyone]

Re: OMC or AFTERMARKET REEDS???

i put them on my 90 and my low and mid was night and day saw nothing on top end except it was better getting there i didn't have to rejet and never had a backfire until i put them on it never would stay running long at a slow pace after i could run slow all day i recommend them