How do i check the reeds?

[GKT]

i have a 1981 mercury 200hp and after i ran it for a whole day i noticed alot of fuel came out the front of the carbs (i thinkjust the bottom two). i suspect its a reed problem?...how can i check the reeds to make sure they're alright? do i have to tear down the engine or can i just take the intake manifold off behind the carbs?...thanks

 

[j_martin]

Re: How do i check the reeds?

First off, if it starts and idles at all, you don't have a reed problem. The early WH carbs had foam floats in them, which immediately sunk when the gashohell hit them.

You either have the above said sunk floats, or debris in the fuel holding open some needle valves.

Don't even think of putting the carbs back together without new gaskets. Come to think of it, that could be the problem here.

If you get the carbs off, and they're perfect, the reed plate is right behind them, and comes off with the removal of a dozen bolts and the bleed lines. You need a reed plate gasket to put it back on.

hope it helps
john