1999 Ficht 200 Hard Starting

[Team Mud]

Whenever it is cold, say 45 degrees, my engine gives me a hard time starting, I know these Ficht moters need to turn extra fast for them to start. Usually I get 2 years out of a battery and have to replace it. I just replaced it with a Interstate 27M-XHD which has 1000 MCA, 800 CCA & 180 RC. I install the brand new battery, I go to start it, and the same thing, doesn't start. I hook up one of those portable battery booster to it, and it will start. Once it starts it will start fine all day, without a problem. I replaced the starter 2 years ago, I thought this would solve the problem. Anybody have this problem? What can I do to solve this? This has been going on, since I've owned the boat, 2001. It starts fine in the summer time.

I was thinking about running wires to one of the trolling motor batterys with a on/off switch. When it won't start I would turn on the switch and have 2 batteries in parrallel. What do you think?

Thanks
Mud Man

[Danrude]

Since you have changed the Battery I would have the starter checked out! A good Auto electric shop can do it for you. Cost me about $70.00 for the rebuild. The only other thing would be the start assist circuit.

[ssimpala71]

+1 on the sac !! Could be a bad solenoid as thats where the sac picks up it voltage

[Team Mud]

Thanks for the info, where is this SAC located?

Thanks again

[Danrude]

The SAC is part of the EMM! It takes 12V from the start solenoid 'I' terminal. If it is only happening when it is below a certain temperature, I think it would be a problem with the solenoid. They cost about $25.00 I would just replace it and see if it resolves your problem. If it is the EMM then it would be quite expensive.

[Team Mud]

yes, only when its cold, and only the very first start of the day, once i start it, it starts fine for the rest of the day, I just started it today in the yard, temps were about 60 degrees, poped right off no problem, this has been an on going problem since ive owned the boat.

your talking about the starter solonoid located above and slightly aft of the starter right?

thanks
Mud Man

[Danrude]

Yes! that is where the start solenoid is located. I did not mention that once it starts it will will stay warm enough to always work the remainder of the day. I feel sure the solenoid is your problem.

[Team Mud]

I thought it only gave me a hard time starting when it was cold, but recently it has been giving me a hard time starting when the air temperature is warmer, say 60 degrees. Only on the initial start of the day, once it starts it is fine for the day.

the other day, i was getting ready to decarb the motor, I cranked it a few times but it didn't start. So i thought i would spray some starting fluid into the throttle openings since i had the air box off, i sprayed the starting fluid & cranked it & it started right up ?????

Now i thought the engine wasn't turning over fast enough, but it seems now that it may be a fuel problem, when i turn the key on i can hear the electric fuel pump making noise, so i'm not sure what else to check????

any ideas????

thanks
the Mud Man

[woody912]

I usually turn my key on going down the ramp so the pump runs for a few seconds, then just turn it over on 'choke' and let it sit for about 5 seconds before I actually try to start it, don't ever keep grinding it. Seems like it always starts by the 3rd try, make sure fuel bulb is pressurized of course. Seems like they're all diff, mine ran fine with a set of plugs that scared Bassmeister to death