Check the reeds by removing the intake plenum.
Better find out where it is now.
How? I do have access to a quality borescope. I assumed the petal was in 1000 pieces? Is this typically not the case? I would love to find it but what am I looking for? Scan the intake and crank case with the scope and cylinder heads via plugs? Am I looking for damage or have others actually found and remove pieces?
If you are LUCKY, the piece passed through the engine. They commonly either end up on top of the piston, or become lodged somewhere in the intake runner area, only to later "surprise" the piston.
Strongly recommend TDR Reed as the replacement- Rhonda (in our Parts Department) keeps those in stock.
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 47 years (learn something new every day).
Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor
Thanks. I have several hours...15ish since the reed broke. The lift pump would still have enough suction to siphon gas from an aux tank. Due to this I thought it was boat side for a month. Fished using aux tank. Changed hoses and everything and tried it. Stalled. Got the aux tank back out and put in new location(lower on deck) and no more worky. Realizes engine side. Couple more weeks of head scratching and I found the reed was missing. I am hoping the reed is at the bottom of the bay. I borescoped the crank case and in through all the plugs last night. Didn’t see anything. No cyclinder scratches, metal flakes, entire reeds...nothing. I plan to take another hard look before reassembling. I’ll look at the piston tops and intakes very closely. Thank again for the reply.
-logan