1960 18hp reed valve problem?

[tbfosback]

Here is the deal. I have a 1960 18hp model #15032. Motor runs fine with the cowling off but bogs down with it on. I am thinking reed valves because it is about the only thing I have not replaced.

I have rebuilt the carb including float, new fuel pump, coils, points, condensers, plugs, fuel filter, fuel lines, t-stat, water pump, resealed lower unit. I have 115lbs even compression.

Reed valves or? Any suggestions?

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1960 18hp reed valve problem?

Are you having problems with the cowl being on while on the lake or in a tank? If in a tank, it may be sucking in too much of it's own exhaust. Try a fan blowing on the motor and see what happens. Or, you have an exhaust leak on the base gasket or exhaust gasket. If it's running good with the cowl off, I would think that the reeds couldn't be bad. But then again, I never think the reeds are the culprit because I've never had an OMC with bad ones. I did have one motor that some critters got into the carb once and got sucked up into the reeds, blocking them open, but it wouldn 't start without having fuel squirted directly into the cylinders. I hear the reeds don't do much anyway past idle.
good luck,
JBJ

 

[tbfosback]

Re: 1960 18hp reed valve problem?

You would be right JB, it does it while in the tank. I have not had it on the lake yet. I will have to try blowing a fan on it this afternoon. Will let you know how it goes. Thank you for the idea.

 

[tbfosback]

Re: 1960 18hp reed valve problem?

Just wanted to say Thank You JB!! That was it. I put a fan on it and no more problems. Runs like a top now. Time to go to the lake this weekend!! Thank you again!!

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1960 18hp reed valve problem?

Happy boating!
JBJ