noise from reeds?

[Raul Esteban]

1997 johnson ocean runner 225 HP Wrong plugs from Marine part store (Clerk gave me the Venom that are longer) Ran with wrong plugs. Replaced with correct plugs per dealer but different from the one removed originally that were "hotter plugs" Has developed a noise similar to a bad lifter on a car at idle in neutral or in gear only in the water not with muffs.Will not be noticible at high rpms 1500-5600 (never had this sound when running in water) Runs great!! Idles good but will shut down on ocassion starts right up but not really a serious issue. Compression is 120 with slight differences that are acceptable per mechanic. My concern: The mechanic says that reeds need to be replaced because of the noise. Do hotter plugs make the engine sound different? Could the longer plugs caused a damage that will show up later? Everything has being checked and confirmed to be in good working order and all maintanance including de-carb have being done. I hate to go out boating and be worried so I apologize for the long post. I welcome your inputs and knowledge.

 

[Basscat 1]

Re: noise from reeds?

Im not sure about a reed making a noise. I would run the engine at night with the cowling off and look for sparks jumping some where around the ignition parts, coils etc.

 

[Raul Esteban]

Re: noise from reeds?

Thanks for your response Basscat.<br />I am sure it is not a spark ticking noise. It is for sure a metallic sound very similar to a bad lifter noise from a car. Clack,clack,clack,clack,clack............. Only at idle in neutral or engaged and only in the water. No noise with muffs.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: noise from reeds?

A hotter plug is rarely a good thing. Start with the basics -- what plugs were in it and what plugs are in it now? A Venom and an Ocean Runner of the same year take the same plug.<br /><br />Too hot a plug can cause damage. Especially if combined with too high octane or old fuel or dirty carbs or weak cooling or incorrect timing or lugging and so on.<br /><br />The noise could be from the lower unit. Noise will travel up the driveshaft and make you think its coming from the powerhead. More common than you think.

 

[K Hultgre]

Re: noise from reeds?

Any chance its an exhaust leak? <br /><br />Know exhaust manifolds in cars that leak just a little and sound like a rocker "tap"