1971 50 hp Mercury 500 reeds

[Wolfie819]

After trying everything else I took the motor apart to look at the reed's I found that a couple of them were slightly lifted like what the see in the attached PIC is this enough to stop the engine from running??? And if so does anyone know where I can get a new set of reeds

 

[gm280]

I can't say for certain, but it looks like the reeds are okay. I think what you see raised up is the reed stops. However, others can verify if I'm correct or not...

 

[merc850]

Check these dimensions

 

[Wolfie819]

OK from what I see about a third of my reeds have the tips raised about 10_20 thou above the surface so I should replace them so the question is where can I get them I live in Ontario Canada near sudbury no one up here stocks old merc parts
And thanks for the diagrams that really helps

 

[racerone]

Those reeds were used on newer motors as well.-------But you are right when you mention 1971 the parts counter says ----" too old , no parts available "---Those reeds were used for many years up to the 1990''s motors.-----Order part # 34-88498A1

 

[Wolfie819]

Thanks for the info I have been able to locate a new set using that part number

 

[Wolfie819]

OK turned out that the reeds have been the problem all along the motor now runs however I need all the baseline specs for setting carbs and timing and whatever else as I have no idea what other people have done to try and get this motor running could anyone direct me to a website that has all this info