Want to swap carbed powerhead onto 150 FICHT? Compatability??

[sunbird 18]

Well, my 98 V6 150 FICHT is on its way out with a whopping 300hrs on it. I have heard that you can swap a carbed powerhead onto the FICHT and it will bolt right up. My question is what OMC powerheads are compatible? (year/HP?)
Thanks for the insight!!!

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Want to swap carbed powerhead onto 150 FICHT? Compatability??

You can install a complete carbed powerhead and runs carbs but you cannot use a carbed(shortblock) and put the electronics on for a replacement. The pistons are different, some fichts has extra cooling nipples, crankcase front half is different,you can make a carbed empty block work with some mod's but not a complete engine. 1997-98 ficht will interchange,the 99 is different as is 2000 and up. The 150 and 175 are the same engine, just different computers. So to fix your problem you need a complete 97-98 model shortblock or rebuild yours or a complete carbed engine and bolt it on.

 

[sunbird 18]

Re: Want to swap carbed powerhead onto 150 FICHT? Compatability??

You can install a complete carbed powerhead and runs carbs but you cannot use a carbed(shortblock) and put the electronics on for a replacement. The pistons are different, some fichts has extra cooling nipples, crankcase front half is different,you can make a carbed empty block work with some mod's but not a complete engine. 1997-98 ficht will interchange,the 99 is different as is 2000 and up. The 150 and 175 are the same engine, just different computers. So to fix your problem you need a complete 97-98 model shortblock or rebuild yours or a complete carbed engine and bolt it on.

I am not interested in running FICHT technology anymore, so I would like to remove the entire FICHT engine with electronics and bolt on a complete carbeureted engine assembly with electronics to my current mid section. I would like to understand what carbeureted engines will bolt up to my current mid-section. (year, HP)

 

[daselbee]

Re: Want to swap carbed powerhead onto 150 FICHT? Compatability??

I have studied this in reverse...putting a Ficht powerhead on an older leg. I will call it a leg for convenience.
I ditched the effort by the way, when finding out about the problems that Ficht motors have.
But, define the leg as...lower unit, midsection, exhaust adapter assembly.
I found that the exhaust adapter will have to be changed also. The Ficht exhaust adapter is different from the say...1994 thru 1999 carbed V6 loopers.
But if you examine very carefully the parts lists at BRP's website, comparing the midsection part numbers, gasket part numbers, etc., I think you will find that a mid '90s V6 looper powerhead AND associated exhaust adapter will fit onto a '98 Ficht midsection.
Don't take this to the bank....but I feel fairly confident that what I am saying is correct. Good luck.
Here is the link to BRP's parts list:
http://epc.brp.com/login.aspx?Retur...&lang=E&brands=skidoo,seadoo,atv,sportboat,ej

 

[iwombat]

Re: Want to swap carbed powerhead onto 150 FICHT? Compatability??

Call me crazy here, but why not sell the FICHT and get what you want?

 

[daselbee]

Re: Want to swap carbed powerhead onto 150 FICHT? Compatability??

Well...I just re-read and I see you are working with a 150hp.
I was speaking on a 90 degree v6 example. I doubt that your lower cowl covers and hood will go over a 90 degree powerhead.
Also, check that the oil tank assembly will be different. Don't the Ficht engines have an oil return line? You may be planning on pre-mixing...
Anyway, comparing part numbers, especially the gaskets, is a possible way for you to determine what will swap onto your leg.

 

[JB]

Re: Want to swap carbed powerhead onto 150 FICHT? Compatability??

I agree with iwombat. Replace the whole outboard with a carbed 150. That is what my Son-in-law did after blowing up three FICHTs in a year.

 

[sunbird 18]

Re: Want to swap carbed powerhead onto 150 FICHT? Compatability??

$2500= Fully rebuilt, 0hrs longblock powerhead with all electronics, carbs, etc.. Should be trouble free and reliable for many years to come. Can bolt onto my midsection and use my fully rebuilt gearcase
or
$2500 = 15 year old complete outboard engine with questionable history and questionable future.... Might break down at any time

I'd prefer to run a fully rebuilt engine/gearcase/entire outboard for the same cost as some other older, unknown history outboard with questionable reliability and lifespan. DOes this make sense, or am I overlooking some things here?

 

[daselbee]

Re: Want to swap carbed powerhead onto 150 FICHT? Compatability??

Sounds like a plan to me...
Hey, sunbird, is that $2500 deal on a rebuilt powerhead a "one only" deal?
Is this a dealer or OB mechanic somewhere that regularly offers this deal to anyone?

Seems like a fair price. What kind of pistons / parts does he use?

 

[iwombat]

Re: Want to swap carbed powerhead onto 150 FICHT? Compatability??

I'd say you're overlooking some things for sure. First of all, you should be able to find something for less than $2500. Especially, if you're dead set on putting a new powerhead in it anyway. Look for a parts motor for $300 or so and then put that new powerhead on it. On top of that, you're counting the resale value of that FICHT as $0, (which is what it WILL be if you heinz-57 a motor together).

 

[sunbird 18]

Re: Want to swap carbed powerhead onto 150 FICHT? Compatability??

Sounds like a plan to me...
Hey, sunbird, is that $2500 deal on a rebuilt powerhead a "one only" deal?
Is this a dealer or OB mechanic somewhere that regularly offers this deal to anyone?

Seems like a fair price. What kind of pistons / parts does he use?

I have seen them around for this price. I dont have the specifics yet, nor have I researched all of the deals/details available yet. My first step is to find out what powerheads will bolt onto my mid-section.