'99 Gamblerw/'99 225 Rude FICKLED FICHT?????

[microman]

I was just wondering here as I have been reading up on my engine. Is this a motor that needs TLC because of it's reputation? I have been told alot of bad things about the engine and have read some more. It only has 160 hours on it. Should I be looking to get rid of it now or is there some things I can do, like preventive maintenance, that will assure me a good strong running machine here? Insurance will not cover a blown engine will it? I know I haven't the funds to replace it! Someone ease my mental suffering here.

[cowtrimmer]

Brutal honesty here?? You just as well keep it because it's not worth much on the market.Talk to the guy's on the johnson/evinrude forum about any updates to the motor.And when it blows then i would buy another.

[ldbass55]

sorry art...but the ficht did have a ton of problems....but who knows... you might have one that will run for 10 years....go out and enjoy your rig....and worry about the other stuff if it happens...

[microman]

This may help other FICT owners out there.. I was told that my motor is a 2001 model and I am safe! Is a good motor. Run it like I stole it now!!

[BeeNix]

FICHTS had their problems, especially the 150's and to a lesser degree the 175's. I had a strong 200, several people I know with 200's & 225's love their motas. If you have 160 hours you should be okay. Mechanics have told me *if* you reach 100 hours you have a good engine. I suggest you run quikcleen or Seafoam with every gallon of gas as well as synthetic oil......carbon is a killer to these engines. Good Luck

[microman]

Takin it in to the shop to have a going over. I am having it decarboned, new plugs and computer tested to run any updates required. They are charging 72 pe hour here in Portland, ME. Is that average through the states? Keep It REEL !!

[Mac]

That's a fair price. Now the issue is will they get it back to you quickly. Took mine in last February and got it back the 2nd week of April. Long time for a tune up and lower unit rebuild.

[microman]

I can't...WON'T WAIT that long!!!!!! I am going to the boat show they are having at the Portland Civic Center this weekend to make sure they are aware of my situation. If they want me to be a repeat customer they should make good. Plenty of other Rude dealers in the area. How often should I have the water pump replaced? never has with 160 hrs on it. Keepin it REEL!

[Mac]

I'd try and get that done every spring or every 100 hours. Ask them if they include that in the tuneup. If you are handy with tools, there are planty of people here willing to walk you through it. It shouldn't take more than 2 hours to do if it's your first time.
Mac.
BTW.... I Absolutely LOVE fishing Sebago

[microman]

Just had the go over done on the boat. I had problems......The tilt ram seal was leaking and the steering ram seal was leaking. Engine fired was perfect with only 160 hours on it. All upgrades done. And a change to the plugs suggested on the E Rude forum for colder waters. The marina is very impressed with my rig. They mentioned a possible sponsoring.. See what they offer and for what. All in all a happy camper here! Total bill all said above. Just under a grand. Remember I did only pay 15,500 for it!!

[Al from Canada]

Cool..........so you're all set for our race in June then.

[microman]

You got side bets going already on is thing or something?? LOL Don't make me go down to The Prop Guys place and set this rig up!!!! LOL Hate seeing grown men cry.

[Al from Canada]

Set it up anyway you want............

[Mac]

If that trim of yours is leaking, you are not going to be too happy with the top end speed. Mine has been driving me nuts for two years. Finally got the cash to replace it (today as a matter of fact)and now I can't wait until I open her up. I'm hoping to run her this Saturday but the thought of running in the 70's with a balmy 35 degree weather has me a little timid.

Mac

[carolina killer]

Al it might be more fair if I run him with my 225 instead of your 250

[microman]

Yeah I took the bite and fixed both the trim seal and the steering one. Should be 100% when I pick it up this weekend! I am headed down to Derry NH for the weekend to PAHHTY. My ex inlaws want to give me b-day party. Too cold to run her anyways this weekend and there is NO ice free lakes here yet. Maaaan I gotta move south!. Keep It REEL!!!

[Al from Canada]

Yeah, Terry you're right.........it would be fairer if you ran him with yours.........

[microman]

Got it back from the shop today. 100% !!!!!!! Stuffed it in my garage litterally. I bought some vehicle dollies and put the boat on them and kitty cornered the boat in my 26 x 24 garage. Worked pretty slick. now to just mount my new Motor Guide and Garmin on the deck then tounament ready! No Al, not quite "race ready" Need some seat time now.


Modified by microman at 2:28 PM 4/4/2007

[microman]

Tounament Ready!! Now for the heat gun on a frozen lake!