FICHT for dummies

[Mac3]

Gday all from wintry Australia, my first post, looks like a very informative site. I am new to the power boating world having been a yachtie for 30 years, this is my sunset recreation no more racing! I have a 98 Johnson 150 ficht Oceanrunner, didn't know it was such a lemon when I bought the boat 2 years ago but until recently it hasn't missed a beat, I've just ticked over 100 hours on it. Last trip I had the engine light and horn come on, I made it home at reduced revs no probs took it to the dealer who replaced the impeller (I thought that was a scheduled maintenance part) but I did notice the fuel prime bulb was pretty flat but they seemed to not be fussed about that piece of info- anyway I'm a hands on guy and I hate not knowing stuff and I scored a service manual from ebay which is the full bit but I was wondering can anyone give me a quick on the water checklist for all the warning lights, e.g if this happens check this, check that. The local service guys are fairly secretive like if I know what they know they'd think I wouldn't need them. I would eventually like to be able to perform a full service on the engine.
cheers
David

 

[Chris1956]

Re: FICHT for dummies

David, I have the non-FICHT version of that engine with Six carbs. The System Check on my motor is low oil in oil tank, no oil at OMS pump, Check Engine (no gas at OMS pump), and overheat. I would think the FICHT warnings are similar.

If the primer bulb is flat, you have a fuel restriction. It may be a clogged fuel filter (upstream of the bulb), a clogged antisiphon valve or a clogged fuel tank vent.

 

[kjdunne]

Re: FICHT for dummies

Welcome to iboats. You'll find a lot of good info here.

First, your motor is not "such a lemon" unless you let it go sour.

Is the service manual you bought a OMC manual? It will explain the warning signals and how to troubleshoot them. The aftermarket manuals (Clymer, Seloc, etc.) are too vague and incomplete.

The FICHT system got a bad rep by those who didn't understand it or take care of it.

Some of the diagnostics and software upgrades need to be done by a dealer with the proper equipment which is beyond the do-it-yourselfer.

Otherwise, treat your engine right and it will treat you right.

 

[Mac3]

Re: FICHT for dummies

Thanks guys, you've confirmed the track I was going down- nice to hear it from another source, I just need the confidence to dive into it. I have a 3rd party manual which swings from too vague to too patronising maybe I need to do it properly and get the genuine OMC one. No doubt I'll find directions somewhere on iboats, I better start looking.
Being a service man myself I agree bad products are few and far between these days, it is mostly poor servicing that spreads a poor reputation.
David