1998 Johnson 150 Ficht Trouble

[namezero111111]

Hello folks, I hope this is the correct forum to post this message.

I have a 1998 Sunbird 19ft boat with a 150hp Johnson Ficht Oceanrunner motor. The boat is barely used, and now has maybe 200 hrs on the motor.
I recently took it into the shop for some engine work (the engine would miss and not produce full RPM).
The mechanic called today and I went over there. They pulled the heads off and two of the cylinders are broken apparently (they got scuffing marks on the walls from the pistons).
They said they can repair it, but that it wouldn't be cost efficient to do so.

I know this engine has a terrible reputation, but how can that happen after 190 hours on the motor?? What kind of poor quality is that?

Anyways, the mechanic and I decided it would probably be best to install a new motor on this boat. The maximum I can put on there is 200hp, but the mechanic said that I must put a 2-stroke on there isnce 4-strokes are too heavy.

I'd much rather put a 4 stroke on there and notices that a Honda 150 hp is about 100lbs heavier than the current Johnson crap on there. Would that be a problem? Is there any way to find out the maximum weight of the motor on that particular boat?

It is my understanding that the current Yahama (mechanic recommended Yahama 2-strokes) are carbureted? I'd like to stay away from that since I only use the boat a few times a year and had problems with carbureted engines that sit a long time before.

What are you suggestions, experts?

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: 1998 Johnson 150 Ficht Trouble

You could put a 150 Honda on there with no problem. It's not the weight of the motor that the boat is rated for, it is the stress that the thrust of the motor exerts on the transom that the HP rating is really concerned with.

Sorry about your particular motor, but not all (or many) Johnson motors are crap. Scuffed cylinder walls are many times the result of overheating. If the motor is a 1998 with the original impeller, than this was bound to happen no matter what the number of hours were on the motor. I'd repower with a new Etec over a 4 stroke any day......

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 1998 Johnson 150 Ficht Trouble

I don't recall the exact figures, but reading over some Honda sales literature the engine weight was over 600 lbs. I can't imagine trailing a boat with that much weight out board of the transom. I realize that probably many of these boat's are not trailered, but that kind of weight was a shock to me. I would not put money in a rebuild of your Ficht engine. Did they give you any kind of figure on what that would cost?

 

[namezero111111]

Re: 1998 Johnson 150 Ficht Trouble

Thank you for your answer! I've looked at different models, and I think I'd rather go with a Yahama 200hp 2-stroke due to the weight on the older boat. That way I can combine this mishap with an upgrade to a bigger engine.
I'm still looking at the options, but I I think I'll go Japanese.

P.S. I'm sure they replaced the impeller at some point, it has always received service.

EDIT: R.Johnson: They said it'd be about 5-6k to rebuild, and given the reputation of that engine I think I'd rather lash out a few more grand and get a good, new, engine.

 

[spottertom]

Re: 1998 Johnson 150 Ficht Trouble

I am interested in what remains of your old motor. I have a 98 Ficht and am in need of some of the electronics. I can be reached at Tom@AlumawoodLLC.com Where are you located?

 

[namezero111111]

Re: 1998 Johnson 150 Ficht Trouble

Hey Tom,

yes, once the new motor is installed I'll keep the old one since obviously no one wants to trade that.
I'll scavenge all usable parts (pretty much everything except the block itself) and try to sell it.
The motor is located in Florida, close to Ocala.

-Andy

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 1998 Johnson 150 Ficht Trouble

You might want to look into the Evinrude E-TEC models. The nice thing about them is they will bolt right up to your existing wiring and controls and that saves quite a bit of money. You may even get by using your old prop.

There is a 5 year warranty promotion on at this time, the motor is so much quieter and smoother than your older FICHT.