Overpropped on a Ficht 150?

[fishez4aliving]

I got a used 2000 Ficht 150 and rigged it on my boat. I was told to put a 14 1/2x 19 prop on it. I rigged an aluminum prop on it, but i can only get 4300 RPM's. The engine runs great, idles great, starts immediately. But I know that I should get 5250 at WOT. It's on a 1976 SeaCraft 20 Master Angler, with the big center console, and t top. This engine sounds too smooth to be running on only 5 cylinders. I'm getting the service manual within a few days, but thought maybe i could get some feedback from someone. Could I have a fuel problem? I dont have any surging.....smooth running engine from idle, which is 700 RPM to what i get at WOT 4300 RPM. Also I got the systems check tach as well as a systems check controls....at start up each light goes on and off across the guage, but there is no buzzer. Is that something i need to buy seperately? I didnt see anything on the wiring harness to tie in a buzzer. Just the big plug for the tach...and the ring terminalleads for tach and power tilt and trim. I have an water pressure guage i want to install, do i just t it off from the pisser? Thanks so much for any replies.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Overpropped on a Ficht 150?

There is a two wire connector on the wiring harness that is supposed to be plugged into a warning horn. Are you using the new wiring harness, or an old one spliced to make it work? Was the throttle adjustment set using a laptop and the throttle opening point set to specs? That has to be done to correctly set up the motor.<br /><br />If I remember right, those beautiful old SeaCrafts had a super deep-V hull and needed a lot of power to push them. You might end up with a 15" prop for best results and getting the rpm close to 5500. I know the book calls for 5300, but the motor has better drivability propped at 5500.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Overpropped on a Ficht 150?

I agree with seahorse. You need to drop the pitch on the prop to at least a 17, if not the 15". Prop selector shows a 17" as being right, but yours is a heavy boat, so I would opt for the 15". The 15" would put you real close to the RPM's you need...

 

[fishez4aliving]

Re: Overpropped on a Ficht 150?

Thanks for the speedy reply. I am using a new wire harness so I'll check for the two wires....I seem to recall two sets of three wires...grd, ing, send...with ring terminals, but not the two wires, I'll check on that. No I never hooked it up to a laptop, I mounted the engine and rigged it so far without the service manual so I guess I need to do that. To tell you the truth, I was pretty proud to get it rigged and running on the first try on the ignition. But pride aside, I dont want to burn my engine so if thats what needs to be done to set the engine up, i guess i'll make the appointment and wait the 3 weeks to get it in there. I was hoping maybe the throttle plates werent opening up fully....oh well Thanks again for your suggestions

 

[fishez4aliving]

Re: Overpropped on a Ficht 150?

One last question, my current prop is a 14 1/2x19....if i go down in pitch, it seems like once i find the 15" p that the diameter goes to 15 so im going to a 15x15 or 15 1/4x 15? or should i take my brand new prop and have a prop shop take off some pitch?>>thanks again, i really appreciate the help

 

[shuff]

Re: Overpropped on a Ficht 150?

You should also confirm that the throttle plates in the carburetor are completely opened up.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Overpropped on a Ficht 150?

fishez4aliving <br /><br />I have found that a prop can only be taken down 2" pitch, so you may have to get yourself a new one to get to that 15" mark. Check with the prop shop and see what they say.