Advice Please 2004 Evinrude 200hp HO FICHT

I am looking at buying a Ranger with a Evinrude 200 hp HO.
It is not a e-tec which I know more about.
I know that the Ficht’s had problems before Bombardier took them over in 2001. I was told the problems have been resolved and really can’t find much on the 2004 Evinrude HO’s. Does anyone have one?
any advice on this motor would be appreciated

thanks

Yes, the earlier models did have a lot of issues as you were told. A fishing partner of mine has a 2004 175hp Ficht. The only I have been aware of was a fuel rail issue that was fairly common. I do not know if that was specific to the 175 though.

Good Luck,

FDR

I have an 2002 200 ficht, It has been a great motor. Lots of power, 3.3 liter block has alot of low end power. The only problem with the motor I have seen is spark plugs. It will eat plug fast. You have to regap the plug about twice a year. I changed over to the newer E-Tec plugs and I will see how long they last. Run xd-100 oil to avoid false no oil alarm in the cold weather. Go over to Bassboatcentral.com on the evinrude forum and post on there and you can get alot of help and they can run the serial numbers for any warranty work that has been done on the motor.
Hope this helps, let me know if you have any other question about my motor.
M.V.

I had an 04 225h.o and like the previous post mentioned about plugs was the main concern. Typically twice a year for new plugs was about normal, I also agree on the XD-100 oil. Great fast motor.

I have an 04 225 Evindrude DI (not etec). I have no complaints so far. I changed the plugs last year and still going this year. I was told there is not a huge difference between etec and the DI motor.

I did alot of checking before purchasing this boat/motor from a private sale. A couple dealers said that it would be a good motor and I would like it. So far so good!

I read the initial problems with the direct injected motors was the internal parts needed to be built to much tighter tolerances than the companies current tooling would allow. Supposedly once the assembly lines were re-tooled with new machines the issues with the direct injected motors were resolved. Whether that is true or not I have no idea, but it sounded logical.

Good luck I would have no problem buying another DI motor myself.

thanks for all of the help.

i have an 03 225 and they are good strong motors. i must use mine alot i go between 3 and 4 sets of plugs a year. only thing is you better have a spare lower unit or good insurance, the e rudes STILL have pieces of junk for lower units