How do you test reeds??

[Rscardina]

Wondering if anyone can help in understanding reeds, thier function and testing..???

I think I get what they are and what they do per say but I am curious if there is a way to test the reeds by other methods..I.E.. compression? does that say anything about reed conditions??.. running the engine..Is there any noises, coughs sputters or symptoms that would point to reeds???


Trying to diagnose some things and dont want to overlook anythng...

Thanks!!

 

[F_R]

Re: How do you test reeds??

Depends on the motor, but to speak in generalities, if they are bad, broken, or have something under one of them it will not run on that cylinder. Minor problems will cause a fuel mist to spit out of the carburetor when running.

I don't know why you suspect you have trouble, but reeds are probably one of the most reliable and trouble-free items on the motor. Leave them alone unless you have good cause to go snooping.

 

[Rscardina]

Re: How do you test reeds??

Thanks F_R..

I am snooping a little becasue my VRO pump acted up on me and in going through to test and such I realized that the VRO uses pulses from the # 4 cylinder..from the test i did it seems the pump is bad.. Ezeke helped me out with a repair kit number for the feul side..so i know what i need in the event...

so I was thinking before condeming a pump, would it be a good idea to look at them or is it even likely an issue??...

I can say that when i had my air silencer off the egine Evinrude V4... i throttled up a bit and did see something that looked like s spray or mist..ever so slight though...out of the bottom left and top right carb.. again nothing serious..and only when i reved up a bit..

So, i ask about reeds to get a clear picture... and see if they can in fact impact the performance etc..as well contribute to this pump issue...

Thanks

 

[Chris1956]

Re: How do you test reeds??

The reed valves allow the crankcase to be pressurized on the downstroke of each piston. Remove all the spark plugs, and set #4 piston to TDC. Now turn flywheel by hand and see if there is resistance due to the reed holding the crankcase pressure. If so, the reed is good. You can also put your finger on the pulse line that runs the VRO Pump. if you feel the pulse, the reeds are good.

As F_R says, reeds are very reliable.....

 

[Rscardina]

Re: How do you test reeds??

Exactly to my point...I am just wanting to be 100% sure i dont overlook anything. Plus i dont want to spend a 100 bucks on a rebuild kit for the VRO to only find out my reeds were not good and thats what was casuing the pump to look as though it was bad...

Sounds like reeds dont usually go bad but thats why i asked if there were tests to prove it..

I'll check the suction when I get back today. and then decide it pre-mix is a better option.. I just want to get back out on the water ASAP..and want some piece of mind that i covered everything i should have

Thanks for the input!