boyesen reeds and rebuild

73 115 johnson<br /><br />I have a set of boyesen reeds to install in this motor. Question is should I install them prior to first start up or should I do the initial tune with the factory reeds. I'm thinking a backfire could damage the boyseens. Dropping the idle jet size from 30 to 25 per instructions with the new reeds.<br /><br />Thanks

Re: boyesen reeds and rebuild

The idle jets for your engine meters fuel, not air. You want to go larger.

Re: boyesen reeds and rebuild

Thanks for the catch. That changes things a bit. I need to bump them up two sizes.

Re: boyesen reeds and rebuild

Five sizes up.....005 larger.

Re: boyesen reeds and rebuild

Hi Kenny, does your recommendation on 5 sizes come from past experience ? The instruction sheet says to increase two sizes for carbs with low speed fuel jets. Is this a trial and error thing with two sizes larger being the baseline? I have no experience with these and any input is greatly appreciated. Start larger and meter down as needed maybe. BTW these are Boyesen # 144. I would much rather start a bit rich than lean for sure.<br /><br />Thanks

Re: boyesen reeds and rebuild

My number 144 reeds stated enrichening 5 sizes on the idle circut, but you may have a point in 2 sizes for fuel jets vs. air jets.<br />You've got me wondering if I remember right, now.<br />Read it carefully, as the instructions for J/E are different than other manufacturers.<br />Point is, the idle circut HAS to be richer for fiber reeds so you don't have a lean cough-back that can break the reeds.<br />I would install the reeds from day one. You'll see a much more stable idle, increased hole-shot, and a tremendous mid-range acceleration gain, but don't expect much extra on top-end on the 115.<br /><br />EDIT; Make sure you leave the curved reed stop cage out that went with the stock reeds....all you use is the plates that come with the reeds.<br />Believe it or not, I've had these come in with the curved stops put in on top of the fiber reeds....doesn't let them open as they should.