More '82 Merc 90 Questions - Reed Valves

[Gary Tuthill]

Hello Again: Started reviewing posts here and found out the above motor also has reed intake valves. My (limited) experience with these are that they are prone to breakage and changes in stiffness? If so, should I consider replacing these prophylactically on a 19 year old motor? It seems to run fine at speed but tends to hiccup at idle or during early acceleration. Seems very prone to 'loading up' if left to idle for any time at all. New surface gap NGK plugs installed. Other than the obvious items such as lower unit grease, is there anything else (fuel pump, water pump, lower unit seals, etc.) I should repair/replace now. I prefer avoiding rather than dealing with a problem. I'm still planning on replacing the motor with a four stroke eventually but for now would like to continue using it (financial reasons). Thanks again! Gary Tuthill<br /><br />New (to me) mint '82 Glastron SSV-151 25th Anniversary Edition, '82 Mercury 90HP L6

 

[adrian bick]

Re: More '82 Merc 90 Questions - Reed Valves

It is most likely that the bleed inserts are missing ,resulting in poor idle . Have a competent shop replace them. Not an expensive job.

 

[dw711]

Re: More '82 Merc 90 Questions - Reed Valves

gary this has nothing to do with question but i owned the same boat in mettalic blue and it was the best handling, best everything boat we ever had. Had being the key word. the boat eventually got so twisted that there was a 1 inch gap between the center glass and the drivers glass.I think it may have been the 150 inline torturing the poor thing for it's last 2 years.What an impression that left on any one that was ever in it.Sorry about crrying on but you own one of the best boats ever made congratulations.<br /><br />------------------<br />no replacement for displacement!

 

[Gary Tuthill]

Re: More '82 Merc 90 Questions - Reed Valves

Ahh, dw711: Yes, you're right. This boat is a real head turner and in pristine condition. We're going to do the best we can to keep it that way but I do use it every week and have 11 and 12 year old sons. Nevertheless, we're going to take pretty good care of it. As for the windshield gap, that's apparently pretty normal as it's also on our boat and it's in mint condition. I'm able to rectify it by attaching a rubber strap between the support bars on each front windshield. As for the 150HP, I assume that screamed? Ours goes plenty well with just the 19 year old 90. What about weight of that motor? I feel that a near 400lb 90HP four stroke may be too much for it, any ideas? I'll send you a picture of the boat if you have an email where I can send it to. It's really that nice. Gary Tuthill

 

[mrcool]

Re: More '82 Merc 90 Questions - Reed Valves

I also have a 1983 Glastron SSV-151 and love it!! It's the gray and metalflake silver one with a 84 Evinrude VRO 90 on it, very fast!! I also have the same windshield issues, but it's no big deal.
Has anyone put new seats in? I'm trying to find some new ones that go with the classic look of the boat. Any help would be cool
Kevin in Madison, Wis.
Btw I've never had a problem with the VRO, works great!!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: More '82 Merc 90 Questions - Reed Valves

Gary, All 2 cycle motors have reed valves. The reed valves in your motor are stainless steel and are very durable. They should easily outlast the motor.

Poor idle and acceleration is usually caused by dirty or misadjusted carbs. The bleed inserts have a small effect on idle quality. You might be able to get it to idle better by adjusting the idle mixture screws a bit. They need to be rich enough to accelerate, but lean enough to idle well. It is a compromise and a bit tricky to get it right.