Evinrude Ficht 200 won't idle

[szil]

2003 Evinrude 200 model E200FSLSTM. I recently replaced the VST assembly with a good used unit, and thought I was set. Unfortunately I have a new problem. The engine won't start or stay running at idle. It fires for a second, then dies. If I advance the throttle slightly, it will start immediately and fast idle down to 900 RPM with no issues. Before the VST pump died, the engine started and ran great. I have done the following before the issue as maintenance:

Replaced and indexed all plugs with new QC10WEP gapped at .028"
Replaced thermostats, covers & gaskets
Replaced injector return manifold with new OEM non-schrader-valve type
Replaced on-engine and in-boat fuel filters
Installed new seals in lower unit & replaced water pump (probably unrelated)

Things I have tried to fix the issue:

Tested throttle position sensor and crankshaft position sensor as good w/ multimeter per BRP service manual
Checked gap & index on spark plugs 3 times
Checked compression, 125-135-130-130-130-130
Verified fuel flow at all 6 injectors and return line to VST tank
Checked fuel bulb before starting and during running, it stays firm
Fuel looks good when checking filters, clean with no debris or water
No events or errors in EVDIAG, looks to be running normally at 1000 RPM
Checked spark at all cylinders as good w/ spark tester

I've attached a picture of the EVDIAG screen, and will try to link a couple videos of it running and trying to start.
I would appreciate any and all ideas on what to try next to get this engine running correctly.

Jeff

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GlQxmFDYkDA

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/56mtRuBhU74

[sushi520vx]

Do you know what the fuel pressure is?

What was wrong with the old fuel pump? Maybe put the old one back on and try it.

Check the vent line from the top of the fuel pump, there should be no fuel just vapor.

When its running, use the software to richen the injectors +2 or 4 and see if it will idle down. Try leaning the injectors -2 or 4 also.

[szil]

Unfortunately no, I don’t have the fuel hose rig that would let me hook a gauge to it. I do still have the return manifold with the schrader valve, I considered hooking it back up to read the return pressure. The posts I read about that valve popping loose concerned me.

The old pump was dead, bad bearings or impeller. Made a terrible screeching and would barely run.

I will check the vent line tomorrow, and try changing the injectors richer and leaner to see if it will idle better.

Thanks for the ideas to check!

[szil]

The VST tank vent seems to be working normally. I disconnected the tube, and heard vapor coming out of it for a second. It sounded like when liquid hit it the float valve closed.

The Fuel Control Test in EVDIAG definitely did something. I tried setting it rich +4, and it idled longer. I progressively tried it up to +10, and at the highest value it would idle for around 30 seconds before it died.


I assume this means I have a fuel delivery problem. Is this indicative of low fuel line pressure?

[szil]

Update: hooked the old return manifold back up. Fuel system has 30 psi exactly at the return line. I ran the engine as slow as it would run to get this reading, about 900 RPM.

I’m still getting the same result, with a new symptom. After it sits for a little while, on the second key turn the engine revs way up for a second, big cloud of blue smoke, then dies again. I’m not squeezing the bulb when this happens, and the bulb is still staying firm. After that it’s the same, fires for a second then dies. It still starts just fine with a little throttle and runs at 1000 RPM.

I would appreciate any additional suggestions to try or test.

[Danrude]

It sounds to me like you have an injector problem, one or two of them may be low flowing. I went through those symptoms with a 2000 Ficht that I had and had to send the injectors off and get them cleaned to resolve the problem!

[szil]

Thanks for the idea, I appreciate it. At $1800+ to repair the injectors, that’s more than the engine is worth. I hate to give up on an outboard that otherwise runs great, but I guess I may have to.

I’m going to keep testing and checking for issues in the meantime. Any other suggestions on things to try would be appreciated.

[ChampioNman]

You need to check around for injector service, Barnacle Bills marine in NJ does them for somewhere around $50/ injector. The Injector Man in FL is around the same price. Just mark the injectors so you get them back in the same cylinder.

[szil]

Thanks for the tip, I’ll look into injector cleaning services. From a quick search, looks like there’s one pretty local in Houston.

I tested the stator per the Evinrude manual, and it failed all the voltage tests. I’m assuming this means I need a stator. Since I made a mistake buying the chineseium fuel pumps, should I buy a new stator for $300 or a no-warranty used for $50? I don’t know if this is something where used is acceptable, or it needs to be new.

Thanks again for the help, it’s appreciated.