another FICHT question

[ugabulldog]

I just recently purchased a boat w/ a '98 115hp Johnson FICHT motor w/ 100 hrs on it. (I wish i had done more research before purchase but too late now) The boat just went into the shop for repair and will be diagnosed this coming week,..... it stalled out and will turn over but not crank. After looking at info online it seems that most troubles were in the 150hp and up.... but on the few times out, my 115 motor does not do well after running at low rpms for awhile and starts to sputter trying to get back on plane and I can see soot build up on back of motor. I have read this due to improper computer mapping and/or low burn temps. What I am trying to decide is: if the diagnosis on current problem is fairly inexpensive and easy to fix,... I am assuming I may still have problem w/ soot build at low rpms which I am assuming would be a very expensive retro fix ie: new computer etc...??? and may or may not fix problem?? Should I abandon motor all together and start over with different/used non FICHT motor or start putting money into this one? I understand there are probably no easy clear cut answers but just wanted opinions from folks w/ alot more boating/motor knowledge than myself, thanks in advance....... btw, the article I found a good bit of info on this is http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQK/is_6_4/ai_61555469/?tag=content;col1

 

[wilde1j]

Re: another FICHT question

Find a really good BRP tech, who will diagnose and not just throw parts at the motor until fixed. The V4's were OK. BTW, what oil are you using. I would suggest considering XD100, which should lessen the carbon problem. You may not have the right plugs installed, also.

But find a really good tech, since these motors (and all DFI's with computer ECU's) are not well suited to DIY weekend mechanics, unless you have the sw and expertise on these motors.

 

[ugabulldog]

Re: another FICHT question

thanks wile, I am running xd50 oil, is the 100 that much better? also, I am pretty sure I habe the right plugs in champion 7712, also, if the heads aren't pinned I don't have to worry about indexing plugs, right?

 

[wilde1j]

Re: another FICHT question

Pins shouldn't make any difference. E-Tec's (and I thought all Ficht's) require indexing for best running. Has to do with DFI, not pinning, and where the charge lands. The plus gaps should face the injectors.

XD100, used in E-Tecs, does not demand decarbonizing, ever and in E-Tec's allows lower oil use, but not in Ficht's. It's clearly a better oil, and it's priced accordingly.