As a general rule, do the leaf plates need to be changed on a Johnson 50 hp 1975 as regular maintenance, or only if something causes them to distort or bend?<br /> How do you know when it's time to replace them.<br /><br />thanks
The leaf plate assembly is between the carbs and the cylinder. They are flat "reed" type plates that are opened and close by changes in pressure from the cylinder, allowing the "carbed" mixture into the cylinder, and closing to keep it from flowing back into the carbs.
thanks guys, i kinda figured thats what we were talking about. i just never heard them called that. they were always called reed valves. like i always say, i learn somethin new every day. thanks again guys.
Boyesen makes after-market reeds. It's debatable if they help performance or not but they do improve the idle. You'll have to re-jet the idle circuit in the carbs but the big plus is they're made out of fiber (plastic) and if one ever brakes, the engine will digest it without wrecking.<br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty
