Re: FICHT 2003 PROBLEMS
John from Illinois and Seahorse:<br /><br />Gents, thought I would drop a quick line/update.<br /><br />Port gauge water pressure improved a bit with "some" tie bar adjust. However, the Mechanic indicated this was as far as he could go with this tie bar without creating an unsafe condition (he also mentioned something about the bar being, perhaps, too short because it was cut for the rigging, etc.).<br /><br />He claims if the boat goes straight, all is fine....if he does smooth turns to port/starboard, then ok...but, too hard i.e. quick, fast half circle or 3/4 turn, etc.), then the pressure drops from 15/16 to about 11). He thinks the first alarm/code at 14 hours was a pure 'bag/debris' issue, that caused impeller damage. The two back to back alarms/codes at 23 odd hours was the tie bar problem.<br /><br />Anyhow, he will try the scoops first (should arrive in a few days). Hopefully, this will cause enough water flow that even with drops of pressure on sharp turns, water pressure should suffice. Does this sound ok??<br /><br />If not, then he says we may need to go for a new tie bar. Is this ok too??<br /><br />The old rig was twin 98 150 Fichts(new is 175 twin Envinrudes). I guess the old tie bar should have been changed from day 1 (??). Odd thing is that the boat never had this prob (with new motors). And, there have been nil changes insofar as new equipment, etc. Hull bottom and thru-hull transducer, respectively, have been the same for years.<br /><br />The only other odd thing is that my Lowrance fishfinder was acting crazy. I sent it back and Lowrance replaced it. They said the unit had a problem. However, if the prob persisted, then they said it was a transducer prob and they would send a new one. Problem with Lowrance has indeed persisted (at certain speeds it locks at 500 foot reading, in spite of 7 ft bottom).<br /><br />Beats me what could be wrong with the transducer? Anything from a 'hull bottom' perspective that could be causing erratic water/air flow, thus affecting both my port motor and transducer. I really can't see how the hull could have a bump (for lack of the term that escapes my mind right now)<br /><br />many thanks,<br /><br />EC
Brand new Twin 175's Evinrude Fichts w/ 25 hours and 3 water temp codes on port motor (computer diagnostic gave precisely 3 'engine overheat' codes) - water pressure gauge is not showing as much pressure as starboard<br /><br />condition happened at cruising speed of 25 knots at 4000 rpm's, trimmed 1/2 way on my Wellcraft 264 Coastal<br /><br />OMC said that maybe it was hydralic tie bar, sensors or thermo<br /><br />Mechanic having a look and agrees with OMC + said that it could be impellers burnt because of debris or poor water flow in the ECU unit - he also said poor rigging could be the problem (highly unlikely, based on expert rigger used) - I will not have feedback for one to two weeks, due to his backlog<br /><br />My 98 Fichts were a nightmare and had many things happen in 500 hours, including overheat/water temp lights too<br /><br />HELP?<br /><br />Thx<br /><br />E Calzado - Miami