1988-1995 Mercury Force 5HP Outboards Service Manual, 90-823263 793, Page 33Get this manual
3 Inspect fuel pump reeds (A)
NOTE: There is reed on each side of the fuel pump reed plateReeds must lie flat when placed on the reed plate, so when secured with screw and washer they do not have tension, which would restrict fuel flow, or stand open, which would allow fuel to flow unchecked