1999 115 FICHT – Repair Help

After being in the shop for 2 weeks, finally just got word back on the boat. Check engine light never came on, bad compression in #2 cylinder. 1 – 150; 2 – 55; 3 – 150; 4 – 140

Two Questions:
For the novice, is it reasonable that it would start up fine this spring, then not start with horrible backfires just minutes later? The shop used to do it ($5000), and another recommended shop estimated $2700 to rebuild it. Should I keep calling around, or is the second shop “in the ballpark”? If not, does anyone have a recommendation on who to call? Just about fell over when I heard these numbers. Any help is appreciated.

Not good! Those motors are known for that problem. My dad had the same motor on a 99′ lund 18′ fisherman. Al’s specialty marine in Rochester re-built it 3 times (twice under warranty). I can’t remember all the details, but I know the oil system fails and the thing just siezed up. One time he had just barely gotten the dumb thing on plain for the first time after being re-built, and she went down. All he could get was an idle out of it. I think one time he had to go 3 miles on his kicker.

Long story short, he now has a 2004 yamaha 4-stroke 115hp–loves it, hasn’t scene the shop yet.

If you need more help on this, email me, & I will give you his phone number. [email protected]

I’ve got the same motor(now on a pontoon boat) and had the same problem. I had mine rebuilt(wasn’t covered under warranty with BRP’s acqusition) almost 5 years ago for $1400.00 and runs perfect now.

The value of that motor is $2700-$3300, but a new 115hp E-TEC is somewhere around $8000.

Thanks much for the posts jonzimmy and e-tec_angler. Looks like two different outcomes after the rebuilds (or several for jonzimmy). Found a shop that has a used powerhead from when an insurance company totaled out the motor after a fire. If I can get an OK deal and is in good shape, I’ll just get that powerhead.

e-tec_angler – Where did you have your motor rebuilt? Did you have any issues with the oil system (VRO?), or was a new one installed during the rebuild?

jonzimmy – I’ll send an email in a few mintues, would like to learn more.

e-tec-angler – Sent you a PM. Would really appreciate some more info on your rebuild.

Thanks,
EHago

Hoss Performance: 651-653-3507.

He is a FICHT pro. He likes them so much that it is the only thing that he runs.

A guy in my office just had his repaired by him. Extremely fast turnaround (parts pending) and he knows his stuff.

Give him a call and tell him Jonny P sent ya!

Situation now resolved. Take old Evinrude off, put new four stroke 150 Yamaha on the boat.

Thanks for all the input, hope to be on the water this weekend.

EHago