135 Evinrude, 2001 FICHT Random start problem

[joezek]

I'm looking at buying a very clean motor, 600 hours, looks like brand new, runs perfectly- well almost... It starts and runs perfectly almost every time, but he says it randomly won't start and leaves him stranded. The dealer has replaced the computer, ignition switch, starter, start relay, and a few other things. He's given up on the engine, selling it dirt cheap. I'm very interested, since I'm a mechanic I can troubleshoot, but I'm not an "Evinrude FICHT" mechanic by any means. He said once it quit while at cruise, and I believe the random start problem only occurs if you shut down and try to restart within the first 30 minutes, if you wait longer it starts right up. I'm able to get the engine, binnacle, gauges, harness, stainless prop, and a few cables, all included.

I know it's almost impossible to troubleshoot this problem over the internet, but what are the most common causes on this engine? My first thought is a connection somewhere to some sensor is loose or has a drop of corrosion on it. After that I would suspect bad key switch, kill switch, TPS, maybe some kind of crank sensor, loose ground, the list goes on. I have a friend out of state who was trained on FICHT by OMC when he worked for Polaris, and they were starting to use it. He can probably get me in the right direction as well, but it's been a long time for him. I don't know if I can come up with a test harness and the software to troubleshoot it.

Any suggestions?

 

[gm280]

WOW joezek, that is a wide open question. There are so many things that can cause that type problem, its where to begin. Interesting to hear that if you allow it to sit for 30 minutes it fires off every time. That sounds heat related. but where could that come form is anybody's guess. Being a mechanic, you know the problems with heat related issues. I would say that once it dies, look for spark, then fuel. Electrical would be my first guess being that would stop an engine in its traces. Fuel issue would be more of a winding down stop. So verify when it stops where the absence of spark happens. Obviously it is in the ignition system but a can of cool spray could locate that sometimes... Do keep us posted on your problem. I'd be interested in seeing what you find out. IDK :noidea: