Maintenance on 1998 60? V4 Ficht

[ChrisAG]

I recently acquired a 115 Intruder on a 17' bowrider. The engine runs fine, and the previous owner was meticulous about winterizing the engine (fogging the cylinders and changing the lower unit oil. However, he did not believe in gasoline additives such as decarboning agents (so this is one of the first things I'll do in the spring). The only issue is that he said the boat runs 4-5 mph slower than when new - would decarboning cure this?

Also, the owner's manual is pretty sparse when it comes to maintenance, beyond the usual greasing of fittings, lower unit oil change, and power trim fluid level. Are there any trouble spots or known issues about these engines I should pay special attention to?

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Maintenance on 1998 60? V4 Ficht

The V-4 Fichts were really good and had whole lot less problems than its brothers the 150 & 200. To get the best performance from this engine do the following:
1) Run the XD 50 oil as it cleans interally and decarbons also
2) Replace the impeller every 2 years or 100 hrs which ever comes first
3) Replace the plugs every 2 years and index them correctly
4) Replace water seperating fuel filter yearly
5) Run a good fuel and stablizer. Stabil or CRC for ethanol blends can be used year round without harming engine

 

[ChrisAG]

Re: Maintenance on 1998 60? V4 Ficht

Thanks for the tips. Is the water separating filter in the engine?

Where do you suppose the best place is for parts - local dealer, or iboats sponsor (assuming they ship to Canada)?

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Maintenance on 1998 60? V4 Ficht

If Iboats ships to canada use them or boats.net. The parts you need are:
Filter......OEM #502906......or Serria.....18-7789
Impeller..OEM# 435821......or Serria.....18-3059
Plugs...........................Champion 7712 or XC12PEPB if heads have pins

 

[ChrisAG]

Re: Maintenance on 1998 60? V4 Ficht

Do you have any insight as to why the engine gradually lost some top end, so that it's 4-5mph slower than when new?

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Maintenance on 1998 60? V4 Ficht

1) Dirty fuel filter
2) Worn plugs
3) Fuel lift pump diaphram worn
4) Damaged prop
5) Engine is 11yrs old and has some ring wear
6) Speedometer and hose problem(old)