1987 Evinrude 150 E150STLCU hard start & spitting / popping may need reeds?

[wowchad]

I just bought my first outboard on an old Ranger 373 and I knew ahead of time it might need reeds / leaf plates so I ordered them along with a new water pump impeller, wear plate and housing.
My boat mechanic moved out of state and everyone else is booked out 6-8 weeks so I plan to tackle the reeds myself, but I'll admit I am slightly intimidated by this foreign style engine.
Any input on what causes spitting & popping besides reeds and can a weekend / shade tree mechanic take on this job?

Also why on a 6 cyl engine is there only 2 plates?

 

[tlewis1]

Just recently had a similiar issue with on a V6 Evinrude where it wouldn't start and the odd time I would get fuel spitting back at me through the top carb. Was thinking reeds as well until I pulled the carbs and got a flash light with a skinny screwdriver in and checked all the reed plates. They were all ok from what I could tell....

Cleaned all three carbs while they were off and after putting them back the engine fired right up the first time......Long story short before changing out the reeds I would inspect them with the carbs off and while their off give them a good cleaning.....Broken reed valves are rare and usually come from a over rev situation.

 

[racerone]

What 2 plates ?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Before you get into the reeds, make sure the flywheel key is intact. If the key shears, the timing will be off and will pop and backfire.

 

[James R]

Spitting or sneezing could be a result of a lean mixture. When were the carbs last rebuilt? Carb rebuild and lower unit service are the two essential things to do before you run an unknown motor.

 

[racerone]

There are 6 reed boxes with 2 leaf plates each so a total of 12 are required !