Fichts problem

[chris_jones85]

I have a 1999 200hp evinrude fichts. I dont have the serial number on hand but will get soon.

the problem, the motor ran perfect always fired up right away, now it takes a minute to fire up seems like the bulb isn't getting as hard as it should. when I accelerate seems like I dont have any power cant get on plane I put the pedal to the floor and barely goes. after I put it back in neutral then in gear it will work and get on plane. the boat runs fine once it gets going.

then the other day I was having the same problems I finally got on plane then when I slowed down to almost idle there was a weird knocking noise

someone please help

I also replaced the spark plugs and fuel filter

[ChampioNman]

First thing I would do is check the condition of the spark plugs and their gaps. Plugs that are old or the gap is incorrect will cause starting issues.

[chris_jones85]

Ok, when I went to fix the problem I did notice one real bad plug I replaced the plug, it still took awhile to start but when it did the knocking was gone.

another problem came up there was no water being pumped through both the pee hole and the prop. not sure if this is just another problem or part of the same problem. I'm guessing the water pump went bad could this relate to my starting issues.

I'm trying to get the lower unit off to see if the pump is bad, but I'm stuck on how to release the unit I got it dropped a couple inches but just wont release the final way "trying to figure that out"

[Melton Jason]

Did you undo the bolt underneath that attaches the shift rod?

[chris_jones85]

I removed one of the 2 bolts that looks like it could be holding the rod in.. I didn't remove the 2nd bolt I wasn't sure if this was the correct thing to do so I stopped to try figure it out for sure. to get the 2nd bolt I will need to remove some thing to get at the bolt, which is ok.

do you know what I'm talking about with the 2 bolts?
do I need to remove both bolts?

[Danrude]

Try these directions they should help. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/johnrudetips.htm

[chris_jones85]

I dont think im looking at the right place, the bolt I removed doesn't look like that.

I cant see that bolt anywhere is it by the fuel filter or where the throttle/shifting cables come in?

[chris_jones85]

ok I found the bolt.. I'm going to wait for some help to remove it. does anyone know the best way to get at this bolt.. What parts do I need to take off to get at this bolt

thanks for all the help

[SEAHORSE]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by chris_jones85 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">ok I found the bolt.. I'm going to wait for some help to remove it. does anyone know the best way to get at this bolt.. What parts do I need to take off to get at this bolt

thanks for all the help</td></tr></table>

remove the left lower side cover for easier access.

the screw head is 3/8" hex

your best bet is to refer to the factory service manual and study it or enlist a knowledgeable person to help you out and to show you how things are removed, repaired, reassembled, realigned and readjusted, and retested.

[chris_jones85]

Ok, I was able to get the bolt and drop the lower unit. Come to find the the impeller was in really good condition.

I put the muff on just the lower unit the water came out like and where it should.

I then rigged a hose to the water hose in the upper part of the motor (the water didn't come out of the pee hole/where the should come out.

do I have a clog in the upper part of the motor and how do I get that out?

thanks

[billnorman]

Change the impeller anyhow. It ought to be done every two years at the most. You can't tell how long it will last.

[chris_jones85]

I changed the impeller, I tried to start the motor it still took awhile to fire and start. the motor still wouldn't pee...

It seemed like if I trimmed up or down it would help the motor to start. not sure if its just a coincident.

I was told to check the thermostats, how do I remove them the bolt looks plastic?

Any body have any ideas?both problems just happened during a tournament and I've already missed two.

[ChampioNman]

Please don't take any offence but find a shop.

[billnorman]

Well, I had a similsr situation with low power on git-go with my old 175 Ficht. I also had a knocking. I checked the compression and found I had burned a piston or gotten stuck rings in cylinder # 1 with only 25p.s.i. of compression. Now the power head is off to be rebuilt. As for your oddity of starting, check the attachment of the large wires from the battery, one to the starter solenoid, the other to the engine block. Disconnect the battery if you work on either one, check your compression, and like ChampioNman says, you probably need more experienced help.
On the other hand, these motors are sensitive to spark plug condition and indexing. They can look OK but still not fire all the time, especially at idle or low RPM.