Exploding outboards

[pitcher23]

Has anyone ever heard of an Evinrude or Johnson having issues with them blowing up? I was looking at boats the other day and a rep told me to stay away from these types of motors. What years did they have this issue and what size motor, 2 or 4 stroke, etc. did they have these issues? Thanks.

[rex_1_mn]

Sounds a little crazy! Probably gets a higher commision for selling a merc.

Evinrude and Johnson both make a quality product. But I would take a mercury any day.

[local16]

I'm a merc man also, but club members have above mentioned motors and swear by them. I would steer clear of any rep or salesman that said any thing close to what you stated!! sounds shady

[Olddawg]

I have owned both and never did I have a problem with any OMC product. I think the salesman is looking to cash in on you buying a different brand.

[oldbasser1]

He is probably talking about the 1999 Ficht motors.I haven't heard anything bad about the newer ones .

[Hydrilla Gear]

He should have been specific with his years. Granted all brands have had there share of problems. The ficht motors were a problem child for the most part. And they were known to let loose.

[pitcher23]

That sounds about right. He wasn't referring to the new motors that we were looking at. I failed to ask him if it was an isolated issue with a particular motor and year. Do you happen to know what year to stay away from? I didn't know if it was just the "99 that had the issue. Thanks.

[oldbasser1]

Had a friend that had the 99 ficht .When it blew they replaced with a 2000 power head and other things .He still had problems with it.Of course OMC went under and Bomb . took over .It took a few years to revamp and for confidence to come back.

[Klinger N Ok]

The first generation of the small block Ficht motors were the bad ones. The big-blocks and everything produced since Bombardier bought them out in '01 or '02 (cant remember which year!) is a reasonably good motor for a DFI 2-stroke.

[pickupman66]

I have always had a johnson motor on the back of my boats. granted only had two of them, but the first was a 1980 model 85 hp that would absolutely scream. 8000 rpms and hold that all the way across the lake. never had an issue with it. never. sold it last year with old boat and newer one is a 91 model 225hp. rebuilt in 2001 by previous owner. runs like a top.

think he was a bit shady. if you are looking at the new ones, I have heard good things. go to the johnson/rude forum for more info.

[Al from Canada]

8000 rpm on a Johnson 85 hp? I would say that the tach wasn't very accurate.

[pickupman66]

honestly, it was correct. we did a few mods to the old johnny though. nothing major, but that old motor would scream down the lake. sure do miss the fuel milage from it though. I could fish all night on 6 gallons.