2001 evinrude ficht

[sparkyaber]

I am looking at buying a used boat with this motor on it. Upon researching this motor I have found it has a troubled past, to say the least. Is this motor really this bad, and what exactly are the problems with it. I don't want to get stuck with a lemon. Thanks in advance.

[PierBridge]

Yes the had big problems, I believe there were 31 upgrades and they seem to run okay now.

I would prefer another Outboard but if the price is right....maybe..

[sparkyaber]

What problems exactly? At least I might be able to ask the right questions. Yes the price is a few bucks less for the same boat with a different motor. (Not at the same location.)

[stick]

I'm no expert, but I experienced the troubles of the Ficht. Mine is a 96 or a 97 and I believe the 2000 year models came out with re-designed systems. I love my motor. What happened, from what I understand, was that they were blowing power-heads for some reason. My model actually was not part of their recall years, but I experienced the blown head, yet they stood behind their product and took care of me. This was a testament to Crystal Marine and Bombardier. My motor is very fuel efficient, quiet, powerful, etc. I would do a bit more homework, but overall, I am a big fan of mine...for what it's worth.

[LABS4ME]

A friend of mine who is a marine mechanic (and who owns a late 90's ficht) told me one of the biggest problems they had (including the early opti's) is that guys do not let there motors come up to operating temps before throwing the hammer down. This was one of the reasons for the blown motors. They both are very high pressure low oil systems. Since then I've always started my motor and let it idle or move at closed throttle until it is up to full operating temps. Guys like to pull away from the landing or dock and immediatley go full throttle to there destination.

Good Luck!

Ken

[Valv]

Only late '90s V6 had problems, not the V4s, and many complaints were from fact that OMC was shutting down and Bombardier didn't pickup warranty for motors before 2001

If motor is running good now, I don't think there's much wrong with it, it means it has been updated (new heads, software, etc.).

They were/are excellent motors and very powerful.

Same thing happened to Optimax, they had their "obscure" years but were lucky Mercury didn't bankrupt, and warranties were honored.

[sparkyaber]

Thanks for the info! Now I just have to convince the wife so I can pull the trigger.

Valv- Do you every stop in at the south forty? My sister and brother-in-law live in Lonsdale, and I try to stop and eat at the S.F. when I visit them. Mmm Mmm good

[sparkyaber]

One other question, How long until full operating temp? Do they have a temp gauge? I did not notice if one was present in the cockpit.

[CabinBoy]

I don't believe they come with a temp guage but you can probably get one installed. I have an '03 90 FICHT, and during cooler weather, I let it idle for at least 5-10 minutes before touching the throttle. I have had the "no oil" light and buzzer come on once before when temps were in the upper 20's, but I just continued to let it idle and the buzzer eventually went off.

It is a cold-blooded engine, but once they warm, you won't be disappointed. Mine starts great no matter what the temp without hitting the choke or pumping the bulb. It is a very strong engine and will outrun the new 90 Yamaha's and Optimax's on the same boats with ease!! I was always a Merc. fan but this is one strong engine. I wouldn't hesitate to buy this engine. Good luck with the wife!

[stick]

Not to change the subject, but what is the word on the new E-Tech's? I have heard some good things about this one, but does anyone have any first-hand knowledge and stats?

[Valv]

No motor comes with gauges, they are all installed by boat mfg. and water temperature is and extra accessory you will have to add yourself.