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  1. #1
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    FICHT plug fouling

    Hi guys, looking for ideas, 99 FICHT 225 horse model number P225PLEED or PLEE0, hard to read sticker. Changed and indexed plugs with factory part number, ran for about 20 min on hose, pulled and checked plugs, were jet black like either rich condition or carbon fouled, previous owner only trolled w boat never really got above 2000 rpm. I've had it out 3 times and let it eat, ran great and never missed a beat. I just know plugs aren't supposed to look like these after having not even been out on water and going from idle to around 1500 to 2000rpm off n on for about 20 min.

  2. Member
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    Apr 2014
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    SW, Ohio
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    #2
    ever clean the exhaust sensor? using xd100 or amsoil only? thermostats good and working?
    2022 z519 cup 225 merc 4s ser # 3B210484. 2--hds12 live units. 2 poles, atlas plate, ghost, hamby's, active target, merc digital gauges
    2002 basscat pantera 3 (dad bought new) sold 8-2-22
    2000 stratos 20 ss (bought new) 200 hp Rude ficht great boat/motor sold 11-21
    pulled by a 2500HD Denali will all the BANKS upgrades
    MAGA 45-47
    ASE/GM Master tech before tools

  3. Moderator SEAHORSE's Avatar
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    Jun 2004
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    9,638
    #3
    NO exhaust sensor on a '99 200-225 FICHT, it was one of a kind, the first big block V6. For 2000 the motor and its systems were completely different. For 2001, it was different again.

    DFI engines like the FICHT run plugs that looked fouled but they aren't for the most part. Black and sooty is how they look after running slow speed for a while. Check cylinderhead temps to be sure they reach about 140°F at idle in the water. Use the E-TEC 5005440 thermostats for best results. The QC10WEP plugs with platinum electrodes last longer but still need regapping at 30-50 hours depending on how you run the engine.
    -----


    A Technical troubleshooter possessing more tools than talent !

  4. Member
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    #4
    Thanks so much for the help, was worried that ecm was messing with something causing rich condition. Was actually going to go with the E-Tec thermostats and plugs, was running on hose a while back and noticed port side head noticeably cooler than starboard side, pulled t- stats and found port side t- stats stuck open, was able to free it up with pb blaster then dawn soap

  5. Member
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    Apr 2014
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    #5
    Quote Originally Posted by Missouribass View Post
    Thanks so much for the help, was worried that ecm was messing with something causing rich condition. Was actually going to go with the E-Tec thermostats and plugs, was running on hose a while back and noticed port side head noticeably cooler than starboard side, pulled t- stats and found port side t- stats stuck open, was able to free it up with pb blaster then dawn soap
    new stats are cheap insurance
    2022 z519 cup 225 merc 4s ser # 3B210484. 2--hds12 live units. 2 poles, atlas plate, ghost, hamby's, active target, merc digital gauges
    2002 basscat pantera 3 (dad bought new) sold 8-2-22
    2000 stratos 20 ss (bought new) 200 hp Rude ficht great boat/motor sold 11-21
    pulled by a 2500HD Denali will all the BANKS upgrades
    MAGA 45-47
    ASE/GM Master tech before tools