Bad reeds?

[Garrett1992]

Hi, i have a 1980 v6 200hp. i currently have the carburetors off for a complete rebuild because i notice after every time i takee the boat out fishing, there's alot of fuel being sprayed back on the motor (as in out of the carburetors)... i noticed that a few reeds have a significant gap inbetween them and the cage housing. None of them are chipped or missing though. My question is, do i need to replace the whole reed assembly? or just rebuild the carbs and move on? Thanks

 

[JB]

Re: Bad reeds?

Why do you think you need to rebuild your carbs, Garrett? They aren't causing the spray back and there is nothing you can do to them to prevent it.

Reeds should lay flat on the plate. If you have gaps, replace them. I am not familiar with your particular engine so I don't know if you can replace individual reeds or need to replace the whole assembly.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Bad reeds?

You're about 10 bolts and 1 gasket from having the reed plate off. Pull it and properly inspect the reeds.

Chris Carson sport reeds would be the least expensive and most effective fix. If the engine is in good mechanical condition and in good tune so it doesn't sneeze much, glass reeds will last a long time. If you're lazy about maintenance, put the steel reeds in. They are more expensive, less effective, but can take a beating. No doubt the reed blocks will need lapping. Easy home job, just takes time and patience.

hope it helps
John
John

 

[Garrett1992]

Re: Bad reeds?

Okay, thanks guys. I was suspect at first the carbs were maybe putting out too much fuel and somehow spraying back?.... Anyways i took the reed block off and found two of the check valves are bad and when held up to the light, light is showing through 6 reed valves. Is it really worth the cash and effort to replace the reed valves with the new fiberglass ones? I didn't see anything wrong with the performance before.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Bad reeds?

It's up to you. Glass reeds will improve the idle and low end and not cost anything at all on the top. They just operate more briskly than the steel ones. Stock specs allow a few thou of daylight.

The check valves also fuddle the idle a bit.

I had perfectly normal metal reeds in my XR4 and opted to change them out just because they were so old I didn't want a piece of one going through the engine. I was amazed at the improvement in idle with the glass reeds.