reeds

[shipale]

For my 87 150 evinrude. Good compression all cylinders. Pulled intake and found 2 reeds missing. They appear to be a fiberglass composition or some other plastic/resin composition. Since they are not metal and I cannot see anything do I still have to tear apart the powerhead or would they have been burnt and blown out?

 

[Hooty]

Re: reeds

Probably burned up and blown away. Any idea how long they've been gone?<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[shipale]

Re: reeds

ran out of fuel in one tank. switched over to other tank and could not get WOT rpms. half-throttled to a launch site and walked about 18 miles. been messing with it ever since with ear muffs. also found a bad power pack. went for test run and still could not get WOT rpms. pulled carbs then intake.

 

[Forktail]

Re: reeds

Composite reeds should run through the engine if broken (that's a big advantage in using them in the first place). Since you still have good compression I would assume they did run through without damaging the pistons or cylinders. Put a new set in and go.

 

[OBJ]

Re: reeds

Sounds like a set of Boyesen Power Reeds were installed in the engine. A real good "sneeze" or blow back can damage the reeds. Since you have the reed cages off, you can look into part of the cylinders and check for scuffs or cuts. You can also pull the bypass covers and check the upper half of the cylinders and check the rings for any that may be sticking. You may want to have the timing checked also. Pre-ignition back thru the bypass covers can blow the reeds so pay attention to the carbon build up around the pistions. TRY AND IDENTIFY WHAT CAUSED THE REED FAILURE IN THE FIRST PLACE OR YOU MAY HAVE TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN. You can get new reeds from a local dealer that handles them. Bit of advise, if you install them yourself, FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS THAT COME WITH THE REEDS. I have run power reeds in my 84' 50hp Johnson for going on 8 years and have had no problems with them. I have installed them in many engines, OMC products mostly, including V6's and as long as the initial installation is done correctly along with proper jetting, if needed, all that is required is a little Tender Loving Care including regular tune ups and de-carbing. <br /><br />Jim

 

[sloopy]

Re: reeds

WOW thats the first time I have heard of Boyesen reeds failing.... just buy a new pair

 

[shipale]

Re: reeds

I assume there is no reason to replace any of the good reeds?

 

[sloopy]

Re: reeds

it wouldent hurt

 

[shipale]

Re: reeds

2 reeds out of 48 are broken, are you suggesting I replace them all? question #2: what can I expect to pay?

 

[Hooty]

Re: reeds

You're probably gonna have a problem buying just two reeds. They come in sets and a set of Boyesen reeds for your engine is about 150 skins.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[OBJ]

Re: reeds

The guys are right Ship. You may be locked into new power reeds anyway. Take a good close look at the reed cages. Do you see any lines on them? If you do, the power reeds were not installed correctly in the first place. For the power reeds to work as intended, the cages should be worked down with 320 grit paper and finished off with 600 grit. This is to get the reeds dead flat on the cage. The original OEM reeds, which are metal, would stick to such a surface, hence the lines milled into the cage for original reeds. Power Reeds will not stick because the material they are made from is porus. If the lines are still there, you may consider going back to the original reeds but then you give up some fuel economy, some better idle characteristics and we don't know if who ever installed the reeds had to change out idle air jets to keep the engine from sneezing. I know this may all be a bit overwhelming but you need to know all the ins and outs of the problem to be better able to choose the best way out.<br /><br />Jim

 

[shipale]

Re: reeds

Jim: I am going to look at the cages this morning. Before disassembly the cylinders with all the reeds seemed to intake properly, that is , no popping or excessive gas blowing out. I noticed an occasional pop on #2 and it did have a reed missing. The engine has run well for the past two years.<br /><br />You use the term power reeds. Is that what these composite reeds are called?

 

[Bear]

Re: reeds

Check this: <br /> http://www.brokeboats.com/reedvalves.html

 

[shipale]

Re: reeds

I just ordered new reeds and carb kits. I guess I am lucky someone had changed out the OMC reeds with the Boyesen reeds. And it does look like the reed blocks had not been sanded well enough. They will be when I am done. And I'll back off the timing a little for the test run and then set timing.<br /><br />thanks for all the feedback<br /><br />phil

 

[OBJ]

Re: reeds

Phil....be patient with the cages. I use a large piece of thick glass as a work surface when finishing cages. Takes a little elbow grease but it pays off. Good luck.<br /><br />Jim

 

[bonitoman]

Re: reeds

The Boyesen reeds are excellent for alittle more rpm and smoothness. The big thing is if the engine swallows one, you should be fine. If an omc reed was swallowed you could toast the engine. I still prefer the omc stock reed due to no maintenace. The boyesens will have to be changed more frequently. When you get into 150hp and above outboards the reed is noticeable. Good Luck

 

[Hooty]

Re: reeds

Shipale,<br />I've got a piece of flat marble I use for a surface plate but like Jim said, a piece of glass will work. The way I do it is put some oil on the flate plate and use that to stick the emory cloth down. I use WD-40 to keep the emory cloth wet and from filling up. The only good use I've found for WD-40.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty