2001 ficht 150 has "popcorn skips"

[Captain LIS]

Hello all, I've posted to this site before and received helpfull information about an engine I have. I would like someones opinion about what I call popcorn skips on a well maintained 2001 150 HP ficht engine that runs seemingly well other than the skips that happen at random times and random intervals. Should I be concerned? and should I haul it and have it looked at? WOT is 4600-4800 rpms with engine trim maxed out. What might this be? Thanks

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 2001 ficht 150 has "popcorn skips"

Your WOT rpm should be in the 5300-5500 rpm range. AT 46-4800 rpm you are overloading the motor with the wrong prop or there is a problem of low power output.

Get a compression test done first, then have a trained tech check out the engine for you before playing with propellers.

 

[aerobat]

Re: 2001 ficht 150 has "popcorn skips"

Your WOT rpm should be in the 5300-5500 rpm range.

bombardier calls for a WOT rpm of 4750-5250 on this engine.

in my opinion save the time for a compression check when the engine runs fine. you may check the plugs for correct gap and indexing. what oil do you run ? fuel filter clean ?

cheers

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 2001 ficht 150 has "popcorn skips"

There were almost weekly changes in the last couple of years before OMC's bankruptcy concerning the FICHT engines. They were suggesting that the 150's run up to the previous years 5500rpm for best results, especially on heavy boats, and for the 175's, 5800 rpm was good.

 

[Captain LIS]

Re: 2001 ficht 150 has "popcorn skips"

Thank you Gentlemen. I'll prob. wait until the end of the season then to haul the boat and have the compression check done.
For now the engine runs well enough for me to finish out the season I suppose.
In your opinion, If I had to rebuild the power head because of a bad compression test, and considering the year and model of the engine, would it just be a better idea to just repower the boat with a new E Tec?

Thanks again. This is a great forum.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 2001 ficht 150 has "popcorn skips"

Go for a new E-TEC as soon as you can swing it. Do not put any large amount of money into your 2001 motor, it has next to no resale value except for parts, even though that was one of the best that OMC produced (2001 models) before they were plundered for their pension accounts and then declared bankrupt. the 2000 and earlier models were problematic.

 

[aerobat]

Re: 2001 ficht 150 has "popcorn skips"

There were almost weekly changes in the last couple of years before OMC's bankruptcy concerning the FICHT engines. They were suggesting that the 150's run up to the previous years 5500rpm for best results, especially on heavy boats, and for the 175's, 5800 rpm was good.

seahorse, for the 2000 and newer 150 hp models the rpm range of 4750-5250rpm,s newer changed . when in doubt simply download the operator manual from brp .

i dont think we should start to know better than the manufactrurer what is good for the engine and what not and recommend self made procedures which are clearly outside the range of the manufacturer specs. i had until this year a 150V6 ficht and it ran WOT exactly 5000rpm,s without any issues or problems.

when it comes to the etec - of course a brand new etec is better. but thats a financial decision. what makes you believe your motor is toast when it runs ok ???

a full rebuild requires , espacially on a ficht, tremendous knowledge about the stuff when you would consider to do it yourself. for most users its not an option.

 

[Captain LIS]

Re: 2001 ficht 150 has "popcorn skips"

Thank you guys. I'll prob run the motor until I can't run it anymore or until its diagnosed wish a costly repair. I only fish off it anyway.