Reed question

[Barnacle_Bill]

I have an old 1983 Merc 150 that I have been going thru and replacing anything that is worn or the wires were brittle. The motor runs great except the idle isn't "perfect" and maybe I'm just too picky. The reeds are the original ones and look good. My question is, can they become weak from age and what would the symptoms be?<br /><br />I'm hoping to retire soon and don't want problems on down the road. Thanks

 

[Laddies]

Re: Reed question

usally a bad reed causes hard starting, but if one is bent or chiped you can normal see the carb blow back at idle with the air box open---Bob

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Reed question

I have an 87 150, and I went through the intake system this winter. I havnt got it back together as of yet, but I found that when I took the reeds and cages out that they had worn down into the aluminum cages and that they couldnt seat themselves very well. Also, When I lapped them, (1/4 " piece of glass and 400 grit emery paper), that the cages were never very flat. I have been told that reeds cant get week, but I can see from what I saw that they deffinatly can become less efficient.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Reed question

Good point. Did you replace them or just lap them in. When I had them out I checked for chips and made sure they wasn't warped. I didn't think to check to see if they were wearing into the cages.