Spring Startup and Prep 98 Johnson Ficht 115

[terry_f]

98 Johnson FICHT 115 HP
model: J115FTLECS
serial: G04535337

This is the start of my 3rd season with this motor.
When I fist took ownership I had a massive problem with a blown piston and faulty injector, but since then I have been very happy with the motor and performance.

I have been getting service from my local Johnson dealer (the original retailer of this package), and am very happy with the service.
I seems that the secret to a good season with this motor is to "prime the oil system". This involves clamping the oil return line, to increase the oil pressure and purge the oil lines of air. Once the motor starts to smoke, the clamp can be removed and the system is purged and good to go for the rest of the season with regular use.
I have the SELOC manual for my motor and have checked this site and elsewhere for a description of this process, but can't find it anywhere. My dealer is happy to do the work for a one hour service charge, but I'd like to do this work myself if I can find instructions.
Can any of the experts comment.
I have been taking the motor to the dealer in the fall (Late Nov - early Dec) for service and winterisation and will continue to do that, but I'd like to try this simple maintenance myself.
Thanks

[Bassmeister]

I've never had to do that with my DI, Of course it dosen't sit as long. The secret that I've found to the Fichts is "cleanliness is next to godliness" IE a good oil and regular preventive maintenance. I run nothing but the xd-100 oil, so I never have to decarb as it will clean the engine as you run. As far as the priming of the oil system, it's easy, once you do it. Find the return line from the engine to the tank, there will be a check valve inline. Crimp the line on the engine side and crank and run for a few seconds. I only did it to reprime a new oil pump, never did it for the reason you stated. The original factory manual is much more comprehensive than the aftermarket ones. JMHO Good luck.

[ChampioNman]

Sometimes it is good to let the Doctor look at the patient! A one hour visit with the Medicine man is good JuJu! Get off the hip.

[terry_f]

Thanks for the info, I'm also running XD100, based on info from this site from last year.
Up here in Ottawa we can be off the water from Sept to June, but being a walleye fisherman Dec to Apr is hard enough to take.
This sounds simple enough that I'll give it a try. An ounce of prevention.......
Thanks for the help.

Norm, it will still go in at the end of the season for checkup and winterisation, last year was a few things to attend to, nothing serious. Not cheaping out here, but would like to understand the motor a little more.

[ChampioNman]

Us mechanics like to eat too.