Reeds, lost some rpms

[Shifflett115]

1985 force 125 outboard , can i flip the reeds around in the reed blocks, i can see a good deal of light through my reeds , i am loosing my wot rpms , everything else on the motor is great , compression is 120 across , timing is good , could week reeds be the case?wot was 5400 before , now is 4900 , any input will be helpful

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Reeds, lost some rpms

Doubt that's the problem.
You should post a pic.
They can have an opening in them and not hurt anything.
Now if they are cracked or broken,that's a problem.
They're designed to let air/fuel in and stop it from comming back.
How much light?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Reeds, lost some rpms

At rest, reeds are allowed to stand open .010 inches. This is enough to see light through them. If they ar flat, you can turn them over and re-install btthat will not do anything some will still stan open.

It is not permisable to try and bend the reeds so they lay flat. At any rate, since they are spring steel, they will break before taking a permanent set.

I have found that unless a reed or reeds are broken there will be no loss of performance due to them. Look elsewhere for the problem. Aside from the engine, check the hull for excess weight due to water or a hook in the bottom due to sitting imroperly on the trailer

 

[Shifflett115]

Re: Reeds, lost some rpms

i know the hull is fine , anything else i should look for on the engine , carbs are clean

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Reeds, lost some rpms

Check the plastic control rod ends for cracks or stripped threads. Top of timing tower.

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Reeds, lost some rpms

Make sure that the throttle plates are actually all the way open when you push the throttle all the way forward. The throttle plates should be perfectly horizontal on both carbs at WOT.

Check for vacuum leaks. Make sure the hose that goes between the two carburetor adapters is in good shape and not leaking. Make sure the bolts that hold the carburetor adapters to the block are tight, and no leaks around the adapter gasket.

When was the last time the fuel pump diaphragm was changed?

 

[Shifflett115]

Re: Reeds, lost some rpms

the diaphram was changed this year , ill check for air leaks today