97 Johnson ficht hard to start

[Jessie007]

Hello, I am messing with a 97 johnson ficht and it is very difficult to start. Now, this is the first time ever running this motor for me so I dont know the history. Got the diagnostic software and everything seems ok. No slow or engine lights the thing is just hard to start. Does not seem to matter if it is cold or hot. I did change the plugs to xc12pepb because the wrong plugs were installed, 7712. This unit has pinned heads. I also tried indexing them the best I could, basically I tried to get them all the closest to the pin in the head. I did notice that the plugs get pretty oily quick also. Not really sure what the next step would be. Once started it runs a little rouph and if you rev it up a tad and back off quickly it usally dies out. Sometimes after you start it, it will start quickly but usually it goes back to not starting and you have to keep on trying and trying to start. I am priming the bulb and waiting anywhere between 10 and 30 seconds after the key is on to start the engine. <br /><br />Thanks for any input,<br />Jessie

 

[Jessie007]

Re: 97 Johnson ficht hard to start

Also, does anyone know the real differnce between the 2 types of plugs mentioned? Does one burn hotter than the other or something? Is the recommended gap still .30?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />jessie

 

[muskrat]

Re: 97 Johnson ficht hard to start

check the compression,make sure its a healthy motor.check spark should jump 7/16" gap on spark checker.what size battery do you have should be at leased 800 cca.do you have a service manual.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 97 Johnson ficht hard to start

Post the model number and serial number please.<br /><br />Since you have the diagnostic software, give us the software number, PCN, and revision number so we can check for the correct items.<br /><br />The 1997 FICHT could not use the pinned heads because the software needed to use with them would not work in the 1997 computer (ECU). The former OMC did convert a few '97's over to 1998 versions, but it was costly for them as the computer and other parts had to be changed also.<br /><br />Can you actually see the allen head screws which fasten the "pins" next to the spark plug opening as shown in the following link?<br /><br /> http://www.boatsetup.com/PlgIndexing.html

 

[Jessie007]

Re: 97 Johnson ficht hard to start

Yes, the hole is there right next to each spark plug, just the like the pic. I will Post the model and serial number in a little while, got to go pull that info. <br /><br />Thanks,<br />Jessie

 

[Jessie007]

Re: 97 Johnson ficht hard to start

Ok, here is the info you wanted:<br /><br />Model Number: J150IXEUC<br />Serial Number: G 04364937<br /><br />Jessie