1998 150 JOHNSON FICHT

[KEITH VIERE]

I'M THINKING ABOUT PUCHASING A USED BASS BOAT WITH A 98 150HP FICHT. I TEST DROVE IT AND THE RPMS WENT TO 5300 AT FULL THROTTLE. IT STARTED GREAT WITH NO ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ON. IT HAS ALL THE RECALL WORK DONE ON IT.I HAVE HEARD A LOT OF BAD THINGS ABOUT THE 98 FIGHT. CAN ANYONE GIVE ME SOME INSIGHT ON THIS MOTOR? SHOULD I STAY AWAY FROM THAT YEAR?

 

[Hooty]

Re: 1998 150 JOHNSON FICHT

If all the retro's have been done it's probably a good engine. One of the problums they had with the early models were running them anywhere besides wfo. They liked to go full-bore, anything less killed 'um. I guess asking for some sort of warranty is out of the question.<br /><br />g'luck & c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 1998 150 JOHNSON FICHT

Those motors run better if they are propped around 5500-5700 rpm, even though the "update kit" said 5300. Decarbonize it regularly and use Carbon Guard continuously. Those motors have very little resale value due to their reputation before the "update kits" were installed. Be sure you are not paying too much.<br /><br />Before buying it, have a trained FICHT tech check it over for you and print out the computer report that shows the motors hours, history, and rpm graph.<br /><br />The August issue of Bass and Walleye Boats has a FICHT servicing section in it that would be good reference material.

 

[KEITH VIERE]

Re: 1998 150 JOHNSON FICHT

THANKS HOOTY AND SEAFISH FOR THE FEEDBACK. THAT MOTOR JUST MAKES ME TOO NERVOUS.THINK I'LL KEEP SHOPPPING.