225 FICHT cold weather problem

[lastchance32]

Re: 225 FICHT cold weather problem

Ah, I don't have the dash light. The old wiring harness was used when the boat was repowered. The engine is a 1999, I somehow forgot to mention that. I guess that meas that DFI is the only way to go?? Do you know if the codes could be read from the EMM by itself or the whole engine need to be connected? (since I already have it removed)

Went today to the local mom and pop boat supply store to get some XD50 oil. They used to be an OMC dealer, and explained my problem to them. They had never heard of anything like that, of course, but did say that they could connect to a computer and possibly tell something. I am kind of leery because they have kind of not kept up with alot of the modern type stuff, not that the FICHT engine is a technological marvel. But they are semi-retired and have a small kind of shop. A great place to get NOS parts for older engines and boats though.

There is a BRP dealer about 30 miles from me, I guess I could take it there. Let them hook it up and go from there.

Thanks for your help though.

 

[fireman_bob]

Re: 225 FICHT cold weather problem

You could call the dealer and explain the problem and see what they'll do. Regarding DFI as the only solution, no, you can (and probably should) get a new EMM from BRP if that's the problem rather than repairing yours. How many hours on it?
My dealer here in CT was very helpful when I had my EMM issues.

 

[lastchance32]

Re: 225 FICHT cold weather problem

I have no Idea how many hours. I bought it used back if Feb. and have put maybe 30 hrs on it ? It has not given me one bit of trouble until now.

I assume the dealer would have to install a new EMM so the injectors can be coded to the new one?

I'm still hoping to find that it is something else.

 

[fireman_bob]

Re: 225 FICHT cold weather problem

Yes, I agree. Replacing/repairing EMM is the last thing if nothing else is found. Eliminate all other possibilities first.
The dealer will take your EMM, download the settings from it, send them to BRP and you'll have you're new EMM in a day or two with all of the same settings as your old one. Should be able to just plug it in and go.
It's a shame that you need to do that since the only thing wrong sounds like just a loose connection in the unit. Everything else seems fine.
IF it were my EMM and that was the only issue and faced with a repair bill north of $800, I would seriously consider going into the unit and trying to find the problem. That's just me though. (I have some electronics experience).

You may want to give DFI a call. Perhaps they'll cut you a deal if it's a simple fix. They are good people to work with. I just had crap luck with my unit.

 

[lastchance32]

Re: 225 FICHT cold weather problem

I thought the same thing about digging into it myself, but I'd likely do more damage than good. I'll call the dealer in the AM.

I had a similar problem with an early generation plasma TV. Worked fine till it got hot, plasma screens generate a bunch of heat. The picture would develop black vertical bars. Turns out the solder joints at the edge connections were faulty. Touched them with a hot iron and the screen works great to this day.

 

[lastchance32]

Re: 225 FICHT cold weather problem

Finally found a guy that can read the codes. Said he could do it tomorrow.

Also called DFI, flat rate for repair $640.

Dealer said new one without looking it up for sure would be between $2000-$2500. I don't have much more than that in the complete engine.

More than likely going to DFI. Find out tomorrow. Wish me luck.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: 225 FICHT cold weather problem

Also, how would this be affected by engine temp, as the motor starts fine once it's been running?

The DFI oil is thick when cool causing parasitic drag, remember the oil is shot into crankcase and not mixed with fuel to dilute...

 

[lastchance32]

Re: 225 FICHT cold weather problem

Took engine to get downloaded this morning. When I got there it was acting up. They were not able to connect to the EMM. Heated the EMM with a halogen trouble light for a few minutes, then he could connect. Apparently when the EMM is cold it is not turning on. There are no active codes.

Only 2 stored codes, 26 - 12v circuit below range occurred 20 times, and 35 - Oil pressure switch occurred only once.


The download showed 184 hours on the engine, which is a lot fewer than I expected. Also had the serial number ran to check for previous claims. It has had 2 both date back to 2000 and 2001, and were supposed to have been either safety recall or upgrades.

Looks like I need an EMM repair or replacement.

 

[lastchance32]

Re: 225 FICHT cold weather problem

Finally got my EMM back from DFI. It got lost in the mail on the way down to them. Once they got it they only took 2 days to fix and return it to me. They said that a capacitor on the circuit board had failed. They replaced it and done all the upgrade mods to prevent future failures. I hope it works. I can't wait till it stops snowing now to try it out. The sauger are still biting.