Bad reed!

[fishyone30]

I have 1986 90hp 6cyl merc that my mech. says has a bad reed on the lower end of the crank.I was wondering if this is something that i should try to do my self,or just bite the bullet and pay someone thats trained?

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Bad reed!

I would get a second opinion as reeds are not on the crank, they are behind the carbs. You need to know exactly what they are talking about.

 

[jimmbo]

Re: Bad reed!

I would get a second opinion as reeds are not on the crank, they are behind the carbs. You need to know exactly what they are talking about.

True they are behind the carbs, but on the old style inlines they are located on blocks supporting the crank

Fishyone... Not an easy job, Merc really buried the reeds deep inside the engine. You will have to split the crankcase and pull the crank, with all the pistons attached, at least part way out. It could be a lot of money to spend on a 20 years+ motor.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Bad reed!

Fish, Reeds are pretty tough, and hardly ever break. If you remove the bottom carb and all spark plugs and crank the motor with the starter (jump the solenoid, key off) you should feel suction on the crankcase where the carb would go. You can try this test with the carb installed, but if you do not get any suction, there may be an air leak between the carb and the crankcase.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Bad reed!

Fish, Reeds are pretty tough, and hardly ever break. If you remove the bottom carb and all spark plugs and crank the motor with the starter (jump the solenoid, key off) you should feel suction on the crankcase where the carb would go. You can try this test with the carb installed, but if you do not get any suction, there may be an air leak between the carb and the crankcase.

If the reeds are good, it'll suck and not blow back. You'll feel the difference between different holes.

What symptoms make the mechanic think it's a bad reed? If it's the bottom cylinder, a crankshaft seal might cause the same symptoms.

 

[fishyone30]

Re: Bad reed!

My mech. said that the lower carb. was blowing fuel back out.I had some problems with the motor stalling at about 3,000 rpm's,and he said that is part of a broken reed too.I took it in for a tune up,weak spark problem and this came up.
Thanks for all the help!!!