Ficht Exploded (In person)!!

[walleyehed]

2003 Ficht 200 HO. Launched at blast-off in tourney on Sat...got stuck in a group of other competitors that were running a bit slower than we would normally depart the 3 mile long cove. at about 4800-5000 I thought I heard a squeal..I noticed my partner had turned around to look too. when we looked back at each other-bing, bang, POOF!!!! Dead. removed cowl found lower cowl LOADED with chunks, shavings, needles and 2 holes in top, port cyl. 1 hole at lower position (lower rod) and 1 hole, more of a "slot" on up the cylinder. Put the cowl back on, fished with trolling motor rest of day back to ramp and still pulled a 7th place and "Big Bass" award for the day. Back home, pulled the cowl and could not believe the amount of metal scattered all over under the hood. Found the fuel pressure test fitting that normally belongs in the "T" on the port side, fuel return line, wedged up under some other metal parts right adjacent to the fwd cowl latch. I suspect the fitting "blew out" and the fuel regulator could not hold enough pressure to the injectors causing a lean melt-down. This engine "was" in perfect condition with code follow-ups once a year with just about 220hrs total now. 87 Octane only, no ethanol and XD100 oil only.
Any Ficht GURU's that could add any thoughts to this, I would be thankful for...
Also, If we rebuild this, what is going to keep the pressure test port valve from departing again....
I have some pretty good pics of the damage if I was smart enough to post them...
Thanks guys!

 

[coolguy147]

Re: Ficht Exploded (In person)!!

pictures!

 

[KeyWestSkipper]

Re: Ficht Exploded (In person)!!

Well nice going on 7th and Biggest Bass, that's a hell of an accomplishment under the circumstances. Dying to see those pics.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Ficht Exploded (In person)!!

If you pull the head and the other 2 cylinders are lean scuffed the fitting may have failed, if it was just #2 cylinder it was more likely:
A) piston ring locating pin failure
B) upper bearing failure dropping rollers into crankcase
C) injector leanout
D) EMM leaned out that cylinder( fuel or spark)

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Ficht Exploded (In person)!!

I love the looks of mangled metal. No two particles look the same.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Ficht Exploded (In person)!!

Hope this works....

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Ficht Exploded (In person)!!

http://s1016.photobucket.com/albums/af281/walleyehed200/?action=view&current=ficht1.jpg

This is the upper slot...if you look close you can see the inner cage 90 degs to where it should be.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Ficht Exploded (In person)!!

bumpety bump......

 

[jonesg]

Re: Ficht Exploded (In person)!!

what is going to keep the pressure test port valve from departing again.!

Loctite or similar stud mount glue, looks like its just a knurled press fit.

It looks totalled.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Ficht Exploded (In person)!!

Found out new powerheads don't have the schrader valve anymore....wonder why?????

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Ficht Exploded (In person)!!

Oh Gads....that's pretty bad. I hope this didn't leave you stranded. Looks like it's time for a whole new top end. I've seen them come unglued before, but not quite like this.

 

[coolguy147]

Re: Ficht Exploded (In person)!!

are you going to take the heads off and everything else too?

this probably why my cousin still thinks evinrude as an e-reck

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Ficht Exploded (In person)!!

It pretty much a basket case so I suggest a newer motor or brand. To put this one back together is going to set you back about as much as replacing it. If it was in my shop to repair it it would get: a reman powerhead,all injectors sent off for rebuild,EMM sent for checkout and updates,new oil lift pump and with labor your looking at close to $8000 And the newer E-tec's have a different style system so it may not use the valve but all fichts will have one to my knowledge.
phead.........$4500
injector repair....$250 x6 = $1400
EMM testing and repair if needed......$ $400
oil pump.....$200
labor..........$850

Just unbolt it and drag it behind you as a drift sock

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Ficht Exploded (In person)!!

Wow.... I hate to see anyone's engine go and that looks dramatic. I had an inline throw a single piston once and it left a huge hole but nothing like your's with metal all over.

What does the inside of the engine cover look like?

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Ficht Exploded (In person)!!

there is metal everywhere Bob....never seen one go like this. Already have BRP looking into this...the possibility exists that we may get a customer loyalty price break on a new E-Tec or a Factory Powerhead (New w/up-dates) installed with a year warranty for the same as the price of a reman. Problem is we have a 4-6 week B.O. time frame. Again though, that money "may" go torwards a new E-Tec.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Ficht Exploded (In person)!!

wishes go to the e-tec.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Ficht Exploded (In person)!!

are you going to take the heads off and everything else too?

this probably why my cousin still thinks evinrude as an e-reck

Preventative maintenance is the key. In this case, even though I've been a Johnrude tech for 20 some years, there is nothing about a faulty valve that can be forseen. BRP says this is only the third case reported. No, we will not remove anything until BRP has made a decision on this as they have offered us 2 deals at present and still have another option for us even though it's well out of warranty. I'm not going to stoop to the level of bashing any other brand in this class, but if you remember the early optimax's...well, then you know where I'm coming from. I own both Evinrude and Merc..over-all I get 3 times the hours from the rudes than I do the Mercs without problems, but I run more in a year than most folks run in 6-8yrs.

 

[DJ]

Re: Ficht Exploded (In person)!!

Geez, I'm sorry to see that happen. However, I have a lot of faith in BRP to do the right thing.

It sounds like they are.

There is not a brand out there without warts. Some are better at dealing with them than others. Nuff said.