99 150 FICHT

[flextran]

Thinking of buying. would like to know what factory updates were done so i can ck to see if they were done on this motor. P rev. owner told me a new oil pump was installed thats all I know.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: 99 150 FICHT

Take the model # AND serial # to your local Johnson/Evinrude Dealer.Hopefully he can retrieve the history,and tell you exactly what has been done,as far as updates and repairs.I am just not sure he can go back that far.<br />He can run a diagnostics on the engine and look for updates and problem codes.<br /><br />Just realize he is probably a good guy (I hope so) but he also works for a living.Renumeration is ....(required).. keeping his doors open.<br /><br />DHP

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 99 150 FICHT

The '98 and '99 150 and 175 FICHT were the ones that gave OMC the bad reputation. The updated cylinder heads and software helped, but the motor never ran as good as the redesigned 2001 and later models. They have NO resale value so factor that in when you make an offer for the boat. If you can buy the rig for the value of the boat and trailer alone, that would be worth the risk. Otherwise pass on that motor.<br /><br />To find out if it has the updated cylinder heads, read the following link about indexing the plugs.<br /><br /> http://www.boatsetup.com/PlgIndexing.html

 

[flextran]

Re: 99 150 FICHT

I am glad to pay for the help, it is a dealer who has this rig and I need to verify what he is telling me. He says less than 150 hrs, good engine but still I am not sure. Thanks for your help I well ck on plug indexing

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: 99 150 FICHT

Seahorse,just what did these motors do? <br />to get a bad reputation,and zero value?<br /><br />DHP

 

[Solittle]

Re: 99 150 FICHT

felix50 - From what I have read here (see red Search at the top of the page & enter "FICHT") I would walk unless the dealer were willing to give you the equivalent of a factory warranty. Remember that you dealer's prime motive is to feed his family so of course he is going to say that it is a good engine.

 

[rabidfish]

Re: 99 150 FICHT

The engines in question did not completely atomize and burn the fuel that was injected. The excess burned very rich and formed large carbon deposits that stuck behind the rings (much as any outboard would if it didn't have thermostats)<br /><br />This was more prevalent at extended idle. The engines that ran at mid-hi throttle positions, or didn't idle long, didnt see this problem.<br /><br />Once the carbon built up enough, the rings no longer had a "tension fit" to the cylinder wall, rather were forced to the cylinder wall causing undue friction and cylinder/piston damage.<br /><br />The updates include a "pinned" head and a spark plug chamge. This is a small "pin" that stuck out in front of the spark plug. This caused the fuel to atomize better making a more complete combustion.<br /><br />FYI: The Mercury Optimax saw the exact same problems...especially the 3.0L (200-225)<br /><br />If it(the engine you're looking at) lived this long, it didn't see the issue. It either never had a problem(likely) or the updates were done. I sure wouldn't be afraid of it, It may just be the best outboard you ever owned...<br /><br />Still... get it checked for the updates, or give us your model and serial numbers so we can check for you. ( remove one of the spark plugs, on the flat surface where the plug tightens against, look for a small pressed in pin and let us know what you find.)