evinrude 18 hp 1957 reeds

[sailinghighprod]

O.K. I have a 57 Evinrude 18 hp. Serial # is 15922-04867. My question is about the reeds. I have a book for evinrude johnson 1971 -85 or something, and another book for 1956-something, The 71-85 books says the reeds should not be removed from the plate. It also says the reeds should be at .010 gap. The book for evinrudes with the right year says the gap should be 0. Does anyone know which is right? If they figured out the proper gaps in the later books or if the reeds have changed in the specs. Any help would be nice,. It has spark, fuel, air, compression is at 82.5 for both spark areas. HUH, is that low? thanks in advance.

 

[OBJ]

Re: evinrude 18 hp 1957 reeds

Hi sailing..welcome to iboats.<br /><br />I think if you read the book a little closer it will say the gap should be no more than .010. Actually, the reeds should fit flat against the cage with no gap...in a perfect world. A very small gap will hurt nothing. It's when the reeds are cracked or broken that trouble will happen. Reeds can be removed and reinstalled but if there is no need for it, then don't do it. The compression is OK. Although a good decarb may bring it up closer to 90psi. This is better. When it comes to compression, more is better. Hope we have helped with your questions.