Fiberglass reeds in a 6 HP?

[sffar]

I'm rebuilding a '70 Johnson 6HP (man, is it cruddy inside!). Would using fiberglass reeds offer any advantages?
Thanks.
Sam

 

[BKS72]

Re: Fiberglass reeds in a 6 HP?

I just rebuilt my '80 75 horse and used composite reeds. It runs great and throttle response and idle are much better than they were before. I can't credit the reeds with all of it since it's a fresh rebuild, carb soak/rebuild, and link and synch, but I'm pretty sure the reeds have helped a bunch. If you were going to replace the reeds anyway, the composites are probably cheaper and they can't hurt

 

[sffar]

Re: Fiberglass reeds in a 6 HP?

Thanks BKS72. I've read the composite reeds make a better running motor, though the six horsepower replacements are only single stage reeds. This is not a "high performance" motor, but I would like it to run as well as possible. Don't want to compromise reliability. The composite reeds are actually about twice as much as stock. Still not huge money, but would they be a waste?
I've even read I could cut new reeds myself from carbon fiber! Another option?

 

[sffar]

Re: Fiberglass reeds in a 6 HP?

$42 for fiberglass, $22 for OEM or use the originals which seem OK. Any sage advice?
Thanks!
Sam
Also, steel screws removed from aluminum often have corrosion on threads. Is this a concern beyond cleaning the threads?

 

[ezeke]

Re: Fiberglass reeds in a 6 HP?

The composite reeds don't last nearly as long, despite reported benefits while they are still good.

Corrosion can be substantially reduced by the use of sacrificial anodes. You can place them on top of the A/V plate om older motors.

 

[sffar]

Re: Fiberglass reeds in a 6 HP?

Thanks EZEKE. It's hard to imagine fiberglass reeds, at least, lasting as long as metal.
I was wondering about the anode. There's none on this motor as I guess you know! So what's the A/V plate, the plate at the top of the gear case?
Thanks,
Sam

 

[ezeke]

Re: Fiberglass reeds in a 6 HP?

The anti-ventilation plate is the larger horizontal plate just above the propeller.

The least complicated anode to use is the pre-threaded zinc OEM #123009.

http://www.boatzincs.com/OMC123009.html

 

[sffar]

Re: Fiberglass reeds in a 6 HP?

Great! Thanks for the help and good link.
Sam