'88 Merc 45 Classic 50 Melted reeds via overheat-huge loss of speed HELP

fallautumn2

Cadet
Joined
Dec 4, 2009
Messages
24
Hi guys, I have a 1988 45hp (Classic 50).

This unit starts easily, idles really well, runs beautifully, yet will only achieve about 1/2 speed. I have been trying to work out the problem.

I recently came across an online post which read as follows:

"You have a carb or reed problem. Has engine ever been overheated? If so ,there is a plastic locating pin that holds reeds
in position that may have melted letting reeds shift."


In your opinions could this be my problem, as the impeller did in fact fail recently causing the engine to overheat and die. I changed the impeller, yet thereafter the motor developed the severe loss of top speed. The other interesting thing is that when you leave the throttle wide open it will run at say 1/2 speed then without warning jump up to its normal full speed. this will happen trip after trip.

Thus:

(1) could it be a problem with the reeds??

(2) what are the reeds??

(3) if the problem is in fact the reeds is it hard to repair, and if not how would I go about it??

As finances are tight right now I would appreciate your help as we can't afford an expensive repair right now.

Thanks everyone,
Kind regards,

Kevin
 

Faztbullet

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 2, 2008
Messages
15,933
Re: '88 Merc 45 Classic 50 Melted reeds via overheat-huge loss of speed HELP

If it idles well as you state its not the reeds. Check the compression first to see if you have any damage to cylinders and sounds like a electrical problem with it just "kicking in" .
 

fallautumn2

Cadet
Joined
Dec 4, 2009
Messages
24
Re: '88 Merc 45 Classic 50 Melted reeds via overheat-huge loss of speed HELP

If it idles well as you state its not the reeds. Check the compression first to see if you have any damage to cylinders and sounds like a electrical problem with it just "kicking in" .

Hi Faztbullet,
thanks for your reply. I will check the compression asap. In the meantime is this problem symptomatic of any particular electrical problems (particularly taking into account that it just kicks after it has well and truley been warmed up??)
I look forward to your reply.

kind regards,

kevin
 

mr 88

Commander
Joined
Nov 3, 2010
Messages
2,241
Re: '88 Merc 45 Classic 50 Melted reeds via overheat-huge loss of speed HELP

FastB is correct.If it was mechanical it would either work or not work all the time.You may have melted a wire that is shorting out or a coil may be cutting in and out.
 

water world

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Dec 9, 2011
Messages
81
Re: '88 Merc 45 Classic 50 Melted reeds via overheat-huge loss of speed HELP

check stator. low side could be bood high side starts about 2500-2800 rpms.
 

fallautumn2

Cadet
Joined
Dec 4, 2009
Messages
24
Re: '88 Merc 45 Classic 50 Melted reeds via overheat-huge loss of speed HELP

Hi guys,
the problem is now solved. Unbelievably, it turned out to be a faulty (cracked) fuel tank to motor connector - this was sallowing air to be sucked into teh motor thus running lean and not allowing full throttle.

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions and help. Kind regards.
 
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