Re: Evinrude 200 Ficht Ram 2001 Good or Bad
I own a 2001 Ficht Ram 150. I ran it hard for 167 hrs last year. I burned through two lower units due to the known pinion gear issue. Two new lower units swapped out no questions asked. Also had a oil sensor go. This was the worst thing because it gave me a warning horn far from port. I had to wait a total of 8 hrs before the tow boat got me home. (@#*!)<br /><br />I have a theory that it may of had something to do with the bad oil cap I started out with. The vent on the cap was bad when I got the boat. The tank was full of oil and I didn't notice the plastic tank was caving in on itself from vacuum pressure until after I had to fill it up again. So I think, don't know for sure, that had something to do with the premature failure of the sensor at the oil pump.<br /><br />Although that all doesn't sound too great, the engine runs like a champ. Quiet, smoke free, and starts like a car. I have bought an extended warranty for it because of all the bad reputation the Evinrude has received. I do honestly believe the 2000 and up engines are good though. I am hoping I just had to work out the kinks of a new engine in the first year. If my pinion gear goes again, I have been assured that Bombardier has now got all the old gear cases off the shelves and replaced them with there own design. <br /><br />Even with my issues last year, I still love my Rude. Ask me again at the end of this season....hopefully I will still be feeling the same way.
