1999 225 FICHT

[jerryjerry05]

Thinking about repowering with a 99 225 Ficht Evinrude.

​Pro's and Con's about buying??

What major problems could I expect?
​Parts? How expensive could it be to own this???

The owner says it turns over but doesn't run.


​I can fix almost anything myself.
​Just don't have much experience with FICHT.

THANKS!!

 

[daselbee]

Stay away. No parts available, very bad year for OMC.
You can't even find manuals for them. (OMC manuals)
Pretty much sealed their fate regarding going out of business.
I have a 2004 225HO and the problems were worked out by then.

 

[daselbee]

I could help by hooking up a computer to the motor to see what's what.
I am close....Mims.

Is it on a boat, or on it's side in a garage?

 

[Faztbullet]

No...No....No....if it runs buy it cheap and part it out !!!!!

 

[jerryjerry05]

That answers all my FEARS!!!
I'd heard they might be more trouble than they're worth.
daselbee , thanks for the offer but I'm gonna pass on the motor.

I have a lead on a 98 200 Johnson with carbs. and all the controls.
I know how to work on them.

​My trusty 88/ 85 Forces, the transom clamps and kingpin clamps are rotting away from salt water.
​So I'm parting them out and gonna replace with a single "something"
They've ran so good all these years.

THANKS again.

 

[flyingscott]

Have the johnson checked out there can be a serious casting flaw in the V6s.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Casting flaws?
Like too thin? Too weak?

 

[flyingscott]

Casting flaws?
Like too thin? Too weak?

Yup but not all of them have it. Try getting faztbullet or daselbee to chime in on this ,I only know it exists I believe they have actually seen it and can tell you more about it.

 

[daselbee]

Not me.....I was gonna say "Solid choice...." on the 98 V6 looper.

I would have thought that they had all the kinks worked out of the 98s. Early year runs...like 89 timeframe, could have had casting design problems....and there is always the possibility that they had a bad mold in 98.....
I will have to defer on advice on that issue.

I would probably have the cooling mod done when it comes time to tear it down in the future. That is really the only block modification I am aware of.

 

[jimmbo]

Most of the FICHT problems were with the 1998 - 2000 150 and 175 hp models. The larger engines(200 and higher) weren't too bad.

 

[flyingscott]

The problem was not with the fichts it was with the lost foam castings for the 60 deg loopers. Something about the foam mold not being glued together properly. I am not saying don't buy it or it is not a good motor they are great motors I am just saying have it checked out. If I remember correctly it will show up on the #1 piston by letting water in. I could be wrong but if it is there salt water will make that 10x worse. For some reason that is stuck in my head about those motors but I could be senile to.

 

[jerryjerry05]

daselbee what's the cooling mod you mention?

 

[Faztbullet]

It is a modified copy of Ficht cooling system, Passge under rectifier enlarged and 2 deflector are installed, It helps reduce piston pin migration,,,

 

[jerryjerry05]

Thanks.