Cleaning Carbon Fiber Reeds

[Basshead35]

2007 Mercury Optimax 250 S/N: 1B492812

What is a good method for cleaning carbon fiber reeds? Metal dust and debris from #2 failure covered the reeds for that cylinder. Reeds are fine just need to clean. Do not want to damage with solvent. Is soap and water fine??

[ChrisCarsonMarine]

Remove the reeds from the cage,wash with soap and water,blow dry and use red locktite...inspect the sealing face of the cage to assure no rubber is failing before you reinstall them,Chris

[EuropeanAM]

In addition to the above, be sure to torque the reed screws to 8-12 lbs/in (that's INCH).

Make sure the Air Handler is clean also. This is CRITICALLY important- I've seen two replacement powerheads "trashed" in the last year because "backyard Bubba" left metal fragments in the intake.

Before attempting to clean the intake- remove the MAP sensor and place it in it's normal orientation (opening down) somewhere dry.

[Basshead35]

Thanks!