Reliability of Boyesen reeds

[captweed]

Any one have any input on the reliability of using Boyesen reeds in place of Merc stainless for recreational outboard use? I wonder if they are more prone to cracking or splitting.If they do fail I imagine you can still run to get in,I doubt it would shut you down.Can't afford to break In middle of Lake Erie!Why don't they use these as factory equipment if they improve performance as claimed? How does engine act if you eat one,spits back thru carb? Thanks

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: Reliability of Boyesen reeds

The common consensus here has been that all it can take is one lean sneeze at startup or backfire to break one. That is why rejetting or mixture adjustment can be so important during the installation.<br /><br />I suppose the motor will run you back in on the remaining running cylinder(s).

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Reliability of Boyesen reeds

The engine jus' eats it with no damage and spits it out,('lot better than the metal ones...) you also should NOT run fuel with methanol in it, it will eventualy soften the reeds(that means fuel drying additives too...). They are now standard equipment in the bigger performance Mercs. AS said, the only real consideration is making sure you do not have lean starts that could backfire. They will take some abuse but not on a regular basis. Boyesen has upped their warranty to 2 years from 1 year, maybe 2 now. I am getting ready to install them on my 2000 Merc 40 HP 3 cylinder. @ 5010 rpm I'm getting exactly 38 mph presently. Will let you know what it does in the next couple of days....

 

[OBJ]

Re: Reliability of Boyesen reeds

Hi captweed.<br /><br />When installing Boyesen reeds, the cages have to be worked dead flat. Stock cages are not because if they were, the metal reeds might stick. Boyesen reeds won't because they are more porus than stock reeds. OMC (now Bombardier) made a metal version of the two stage reed. The two stages make for a better low end idle and improved gas milage at higher rpms. I personnally have been running the Boyesen reeds in an 85' Johnson 50hp for about 6 years with no problems. I also have installed them in several larger engines up to 175hp. No complaints yet. (am I beginning to sound like a commercial?) The mech that installs them should be familiar with the installation. The engine may or may not need revised jetting. If you do decide on them, make sure the mech that does the work is familiar with them and understands how to tune in the engine with the reeds. Good Luck.