1997 Johnson Ficht - Advice needed

[jackpotjohnny48]

Hi Guys,<br /><br />I'm new to this board, so sorry if this question has been asked before.<br /><br />Just received a call from my dad. He's been having some problems with his 1997 model 150 hp Johnson Ficht. When we were in Canada this summer, the engine cut out every morning when we first hit the ignition. Had to start it 10 to 15 times each day, before it would finally idle without dying. Problem has gotten progressively worse over the past 2 seaseons. He took it in to a dealership yesterday and it was diagnosed with scratched/scored cylinders. Estimated repair costs: $3,000 <br /><br />He has been told by 2 different dealers that the 1997 Ficht was a poorly made motor (20 to 30% of motors experienced major problems within the first 100 hours of use), and that the 1998 and 1999 models were even worse. This leads me to severals questions...<br /><br />1. Anyone else have problems with a 1997, 1998, or 1999 Ficht?<br /><br />2. If yes, what's the best solution? Fix the existing motor, or replace it? If replacing the motor, would it be more cost effective to just get rid of the whole rig? He has been advised by one dealer to "stick a fork in it" and not try to repair it, because in the dealer's words "the 97's were a piece of junk"<br /><br />3. Warranty Issues: What are the odds the manufacturer will stand behind it, and what is a reasonable life expectancy of a new motor? (This motor has 303 hours on it). Is there any recourse in expecting OMC (or is it Bombardier now since the bankruptcy?) to stand behind their products? If the problem is based on a fundamental design flaw, would it be reasonable to expect the manufacturer to stand behind it?<br /><br />4. I've heard rumors that there may have been a class action lawsuit filed against OMC with respect to the faulty Ficht engines in 1997-99. Is this in fact correct? Any details would be appreciated.<br /><br />If anyone can provide any insight or advice it would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks in advance,<br />"Jackpot" John Schroeder<br />Madison, WI<br />jschroeder@introflections.com

 

[JB]

Re: 1997 Johnson Ficht - Advice needed

Hi, Johnny.<br /><br />The '97 Ficht RAM injected engines were bad news on two scores:<br /><br />1. The Ficht DFI system was incompleteely developed and was very unreliable. My son-in-law had a '97 Johnny 150 which blew up 3 times before he gave up and bought a 2002 carb model.<br /><br />2. By 1997 OMC was taking desperate measures to try to survive. Quality control went to the dogs.<br /><br />OMC went bankrupt. The outboard division was bought by Bombardier in 2001. They agreed to honor warranties for 2000 and later engines.<br /><br />Any attempted suits would be worthless, as OMC no longer existed after 2000.<br /><br />Bombardier redesigned the RAM injection system to a pretty reliable package, and offered an update/upgrade package. Whether that can be installed on a '97 I don't know. An Evinrude dealer can tell you.<br /><br />What would I do? I would have it upgraded by Bombardier if possible, including warranty on the upgrade.<br /><br />If the upgrade wont "fit" the '97 I would get rid of it and get a Bombardier-built 150.<br /><br />Good luck

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 1997 Johnson Ficht - Advice needed

Surprisingly, the '97 FICHTS did pretty well, of course they were only made in 20" 150hp models. The '98 and '99 motors were the problem children and 1 in 5 had problems according to the then president of OMC. Your 7 year old FICHT is not economical to repair and there is no way to update it. There was no class actions against them, but Merc Optimax had some from what I understand.<br /><br />Since 2001, the Bombardier products are super and reliability is better than anything I seen in this business.