Bad Reeds?

[87GT183]

I am not sure if this is the problem, but my motor (87 johnson gt150 SER#j150stlcur) for the past 6 or 7 monthes has had a really oil leak. I pulled off the intake cover and it was soaked with gas and oil. The oil and gas is leaking to the out side of my lower unit. Really sticky and black. I posted questions to you guys about my motor running really rough, thought it might be the power packs. Well could this be the reason? Could it be the reeds? Thanks
Eric Wicker

Dont know how to post pics or i would add one!!!

[RUSTY63]

The oil you see, from your description, may be left over in the exhaust housing, Have you checked compression, spark and do you know if the recircs have been changed?

[87GT183]

Comp. is 90 on all cylinders, spark has not been tested. recircs i have not a clue. Next weekend i am putting new power packs and coils on and planned on putting new boysen reeds in. just fed up with this motor just need to break down and buy a newer one. thanks once again RUSTY63
Eric Wicker

[DoferGofer]

Don't give up just yet. You will have a lot of fun getting her to run well again. The only thing you will not like about that engine is; it's appetite for gasoline.

[ChampioNman]

Your motor is pretty much a bullet proof motor. careful when you add the boyensen's you will need a new intake manifold gasket and advance timing +3* I think. If you are having a bark/fart/sneeze at idle then the recircs are suspect. Carbs need to come off and if you are going to install the Boyensen's they will anyway. Below the carbs you'll see 6 total hoses with a brass nipple into the block those are the recircs. They need to get pulled and tested as they are check valves and make the motor idle a bunch smoother. You won't see any performance gains in the carbon reeds as far as top end. A little more mid-range punch and a somewhat smoother idle, but that all depends on the recircs and idle circut. An '87 needs some TLC as she is pushing 20 years old. The main benefit for Carbon reeds is if you eat one then it will go right out the exhaust and won't damage the motor's internals. You can check them by pulling out the reed box and inspecting them for chips and warpage. The block is off the motor and on a bench correct?? You will also need new reed cage gaskets, carb gaskets and a mid-section to powerhead gasket.

[87GT183]

Well fellas found a 2001 Yammie 175 totally redone (says pushing 220 HP at the crank) really thinking about buying it. I AM still going to rebuild my 87 Johnson. Maybe sell it or find a early hull to put it on. But thanks for all the help and comments, really appriciate that. Thanks! I will let you all know how it all comes out with new motor and my 87.
Eric Wicker
Rushville, IN.

[ChampioNman]

Good luck with your new purchase!! Just remember you will completely have to change everything out. Have fun and keep us posted .