|
|
Posts: 259
Location: Madison, WI | Hi Guys,
Hoping someone on the board can give some advice here.
Just got off the phone with 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
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...
1. Anyone else have problems with a 1997, 1998, or 1999 Ficht?
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"
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?
If anyone can provide any insight or advice it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
"Jackpot" John Schroeder
|
|
| |
|
Location: Woodstock, IL | This seems like a common complaint for Ficht motors in that era. I have a 2003 Ficht and love it, but everyone warned me of the pre-Bombardier days. Contact Bombardier and see what they'll do. Given the age of the motor the warranty would have expired anyway, but it is worth a try.
Edited by dpratt 9/30/2003 6:19 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 484
Location: St. Louis, MO., Marco Is., FL, Nestor Falls, ON | I have a 1998 150 Ficht. At 20 hours the injectors went out...fixed under warranty. At 100 hours the power head went out...replaced under warranty shortly before bankruptcy. From that point on I have faithfully used Yamaha "Ring Free" additive to the gasoline. While expensive, it prevents carbon buildup. I use my motor extensively for 7-8 months out of the year in fresh water (LOTW) and salt water. The new powerhead was installed in the fall of '99 and they said it was a 2000 model. I have not had any problems at all since then. I change the plugs just once per year and probably put about 350 hours per year on the engine. I also use the Ficht oil. I have vowed that if my engine goes out, I will replace it with a Yamaha or Honda 200 hp 4 stroke. I wouldn't expect any help from Bombardier on your '97 model. If it were me, (and it soon may be), I would not repair the motor. I would replace it with a Yamaha or Honda. Mercury has had the same problems with their engines. Go for dependability.
Edited by rpieske 9/30/2003 8:12 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 91
Location: Oshawa, Ontario | I am sorry to say, but I have heard the same tale from others re. 97 FICHT's. I bought a 97 Evinrude Intruder - two stroke, and have only had one minor problem, and count myself as lucky! Apparently the new (Bombardier) Evinrude's are great, but like the others have stated, if I had to replace my motor I would definitely give Honda, Yamaha a very long hard look - some great things being said about their products and service.
|
|
| |
|
| What your hearing is correct the Fichts of that era were pretty much junk and probably led to the outboard makers demise (sell one replace it four or five times) You may have a record for the most hours on one...........
Junk it, you will only be throwing more money on a product that will not hold up.
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 32957
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Mercury has an excellent line of 4 strokes, and will be releasing a new line soon that is built entirely in Fond Du Lac and offers extreme performance. ALL the direct injection 'green' 2 strokes (Ficht, HPDI, Opti Max) had development problems early on. My Opti Max motors have been flawless, no problems at all. I will stay with the Opti next year, too. Look at market share and the percentage of warranty return per maker/model/design, and then make your decision. The killer on the early direct injection outboards was outsourcing parts, as I understand things. Fuel rails that didn't match ECMs, things like that. The major builders have since worked hard to guarantee the new direct injection 2 strokes are dependable and tough. Look what Mercury has done at Ruan, and notice the 4 years flawless performance at the Bassmaster's Classic. Also, Mercury Marine was awarded an ISO 9001:2000 rating this year, proving the builder has their collective 'stuff' together. Mercury, Bombardier, or Yamaha, all would treat you well. |
|
| |
|
Location: Pewaukee, WI | buy a yamahamamama |
|
| |
|
Posts: 259
Location: Madison, WI | Thanks everyone for taking the time to answer. One thing you can say about those who bought a Ficht... "They're all in the same boat!" (Excuse the pun), cause this appears to have been an epidemic.
Have gotten some good advice on this and other boards and it's much appreciated. Will probably be contacting Bombardier directly (or the lawyers who handled the bankruptcy case) to see what, if any, help they can provide. Will let you know how that goes.
In the meantime, any other suggestions?
Thanks,
"Jackpot" John Schroeder |
|
| |
|
Location: Woodstock, IL | All of the direct injection manufacturers seem to have cleared up the problems seen a few years ago. Unfortunately, that doesn't help you since you're stuck with an older outboard. Good luck and keep us posted.
The ISO certification doesn't mean they have their stuff together. It simply means they follow their procedures. It does not guarantee that the procedures will produce a quality product. I've worked for a few companies that obtained certification. It's a marketing gimmick. If you do what you say and say what you do, you'll get certified, even if the end result is garbage (not the case with Mercury). |
|
| |
