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Reeds. Metal vs fiber -- sources for replacement parts.

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leefrankpierce

New member
For a motor (96 Johnson 115) that spends most of its time idling and is run in the lower ranges to move a heavy boat. I rarely get the engine up to full speed.

Should I prefer stock metal reeds (not sure where to find replacement metal reeds, they are out of stock on MarineEngine, possibly ebay?)
or
Fiber reeds?

So far I have found a couple of fiber reed sources, any thoughts on which ones would best fit my application?

For those that will ask why, I am chasing a miss at idle/low speeds that goes away at mid to high speeds.
Have gone through ignition, compression, about to dive into carbs/reeds, trying to collect information for if I find a reed issue.
Would changing to fiber reeds help me even if my stock ones look ok?
 
It's not likely that reeds are your issue. But, if you go down that route Boyesen is a long respected name in aftermarket reeds. In most cases fiber reeds are meant for fast throttle response and more air flow at high RPM, not for low speed operation.

Carbs are a very likely source of your misfire. Use only OEM rebuild kits and also look very closely at your fuel chambers. These plastic units can warp with age and cause an air leak. Replacing with new bowls is the only effective fix.
 
I figure if I am going to pull the carbs, I might as well pull the reeds, and might as well replace/update.
Yes it is a shotgun rather than a specific fix, but, I use the same mentality when I work on my 68 mustang.
I figure all I can reasonably get to might as well be refreshed.
Is there a source for metal reeds and would I be better off with metal?
Any disadvantage to the Boyesen reeds?
Looks like there is two types from Boyesen reeds, do I go the "stock replacements" or the dual reeds?
 
???----There are 2 different 115 HP model in 1996.----Post the model number or pictures.-----If it is the crossflow then the first step in trouble shooting is a compression test.----Post the actual values here.----New reeds is a waste of beer tokens in my opinion.
 
J115TLE (remainder garbled) but I think DA
I have a cheap compression gage, I can not remember the exact numbers, but they were very close to each other.
The engine is on a boat in a slip, so I have to plan my trips.
I can get another compression test done and record the numbers this time.
The reeds needing attn. = a rare item?
 
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I have repaired these motors since about 1968.----I can not recall the need to install new reeds in any.-----Lots of pistons with broken rings.----That is the most common fault.-----Every one of these V-4 crossflows will suffer from that sooner or later.
 
Ok, super... I guess I will be leaving the manifold on, pull the carbs and see what I can do with the jets.

I have had the motor for about 5 years, taking it out approx 1 or more times a month, non-e fuel, 50/1 mix, when it started missing at idle I started adding seafoam. changed plugs, coils, powerpack mainly because it was easy and relatively in-expensive. It seems to have helped but idle has a surge every once in a while, like an extra cylinder kicking in. This may be the "sneeze" I have been hearing about. Do not have an issue changing the timer base or stator, but figure to continue doing the most common and easy things first. As far as testing the timer base, just got a manual, so may try the resistance test. The reeds topic = seemed like as likely as anything with zero experience.
Advice on what to do next is greatly appreciated.
 
Test run with a timing light.----One cylinder at a time.----Observe the flashing light.----Steady light means good consistent spark.----Black spots mean trouble.----Could be as simple as a plug lead shorting to the cowling.----Test run with cowling off.
 
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