Not sure about reeds

[spectrum14]

hi, i have a 1988 johnson 50 hp. i have the reeds out, and i can see a little bit of light when i look through the back of the reed box. There is only one flap that i can see the light through. The motor will not idle at all,could this reed be causeing that? Also the cylinder that has that reed has lower compression, can that be due to the reed?

Thank You...

 

[bktheking]

Re: Not sure about reeds

hi, i have a 1988 johnson 50 hp. i have the reeds out, and i can see a little bit of light when i look through the back of the reed box. There is only one flap that i can see the light through. The motor will not idle at all,could this reed be causeing that? Also the cylinder that has that reed has lower compression, can that be due to the reed?

Thank You...

You should see no light, I'd replace them both while it's apart, they are cheap. Reeds have no bearing on compression, they are on the intake side of the motor, they will however have an affect on your idle and general running of that motor.

 

[spectrum14]

Re: Not sure about reeds

ok, thank you very much. i hope the new reeds solve the problem. You don't happen to no what the compression should be. I ordered a service manual and look all over the internet and i can not find what they should beany where, but the top is 110 and the bottom is 130. Im thinking that is to much difference...

 

[bktheking]

Re: Not sure about reeds

Get the reeds replaced and do a decarb with seafoam (search the forums for procedure) you will probably find that the 110 will come up after, could be carbon buildup from the bad reed.

 

[spectrum14]

Re: Not sure about reeds

ok, thanks. Yeah i was told to do the decarb, so ill get the reeds in and do the decarb. Thank again...

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Not sure about reeds

20 lbs diff is a fair bit... Maybe a head gasket issue also...

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Not sure about reeds

20 lbs diff is a fair bit... Maybe a head gasket issue also...

Could well be but a decarb first and check compression again are my thoughts.