2008 250 Pro XS Cracked Reeds Symptoms?

[Slig]

2008 250 Pro Xs
Serial#: 1B459323

First off, I trust this mechanic and always have, he's sharp. So I feel like he'll get to the bottom of it, but while I wait to hear back, just curious if anyone thinks it's a cracked reed or maybe a fuel injector? I ended up fishing just idling to get it off and on the trailer, then took the boat back to him. I was worried about something letting go and having a catastrophic failure.

Motor has about 650 hours on it. Has a rough idle and sometimes hard to start, which was never the case, besides when I had a diaphragm issue, but otherwise it actually runs ok. Occasionally at start up it'll cough out a big puff of smoke, has never done that before. Mechanic replaced an air injector(#5) that tested bad, along with a set of plugs, but that didn't solve it. Everything else seems to check out as far as compression, diaphragms, fuel pressure regulator, compressor etc. The fuel in the compressor seemed to be a head scratcher, but I think he's going to check reeds next, so we'll see.
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[EuropeanAM]

Reeds can have a wide array of symptoms, depending on the severity of the "bad reed or reeds" and whether they're chipped and hanging, chipped and missing, completely gone, etc.

In many cases, you might not even notice it other than perhaps a slightly unusual idle, coupled with some type of performance problem(s).

Pulse fuel pump, diaphragms, leaking o-rings or fuel injectors, over-filled remote oil tank (more than 80% volume) are some of the more common.

[ChrisCarsonMarine]

At 650 hours I would not be the least surprised if you have reed trouble.We have good affordable replacements,and also offer easy to install crankcase stuffers for a little better holeshot and midrange performance,Chris

[Slig]

Reeds can have a wide array of symptoms, depending on the severity of the "bad reed or reeds" and whether they're chipped and hanging, chipped and missing, completely gone, etc.

In many cases, you might not even notice it other than perhaps a slightly unusual idle, coupled with some type of performance problem(s).

Pulse fuel pump, diaphragms, leaking o-rings or fuel injectors, over-filled remote oil tank (more than 80% volume) are some of the more common.

Thank you sir! Yeah it was running fine leading up to this, besides the idle issues. I know he put it on gauges and also visibly checked the diaphragms so that was ruled out. I never fill the remote oil tank over 70%, based on previous threads so I wouldn't think that would be it. Pulse fuel pump hasn't been mentioned yet. I think he's going to check reeds first, then fuel injectors. I'm just hoping it's reeds since they aren't too pricey, fingers crossed.

[Slig]

At 650 hours I would not be the least surprised if you have reed trouble.We have good affordable replacements,and also offer easy to install crankcase stuffers for a little better holeshot and midrange performance,Chris

Thank you! I want to say he mentioned he uses Boyesen reeds but don't quote me on that. I'll check out your website, preciate it!

[Savage]

I would stay away from Boyesen on an Optimax motor

[Slig]

I would stay away from Boyesen on an Optimax motor

Good to know, thanks. He was ballparking prices for reeds when I first brought it in during the "what it could be phase", and mentioned Boyesen as an option. Not sure if he was just giving me all of the available choices.

[wmitch2]

I would stay away from Boyesen on an Optimax motor

WHY ???

[EuropeanAM]

Those dual-stage reeds don't match the airflow characteristics properly.

I've tested several brands myself and for our customers: And we chose to become a Distributor for TDR Reeds (which provided the best balance of Durability, Performance, Proper Reed Tension and Fitment, at a fair price).

The TDR's we carry for this engine are indeed a Carbon Fiber, which near-identically match the OEM reeds (the OEM's on this engine were an extremely high-quality material).

[JOE54]

abnormally high intake air temps can indicate a reed failure

[Slig]

Those dual-stage reeds don't match the airflow characteristics properly.

I've tested several brands myself and for our customers: And we chose to become a Distributor for TDR Reeds (which provided the best balance of Durability, Performance, Proper Reed Tension and Fitment, at a fair price).

The TDR's we carry for this engine are indeed a Carbon Fiber, which near-identically match the OEM reeds (the OEM's on this engine were an extremely high-quality material).

Shoot, I'd rather order the TDR from you, or a set from CCMS, but I'd also like to get my boat back. If it ends up being reeds, and he has Boyesen in stock, how bad are they? If they just don't last as long, I'd probably tell him to go for it, but if it's going to run like crap, or potentially lead to some other issue, then I have a decision to make.
Thanks

[EuropeanAM]

The concern for me isn't those reeds lasting... it's the motor I'm more concerned about.

[Slig]

The concern for me isn't those reeds lasting... it's the motor I'm more concerned about.

That doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy. So Boyesen makes 2 different reeds for this motor, an OEM single stage replacement called "SuperStock", and a dual stage called "PowerReeds". Not sure if your concerns apply to both. I'm getting ahead of myself since I don't know for sure it's reeds, but want to make sure I have the right info if I say I want to use a certain reed, like TRD or CCMS.
Thanks

[EuropeanAM]

Never tested the reed tension on their single stage "Superstock". Let's find out if you actually need reeds before you get too much deeper into that, though.