2000 225 FICHT - The Hull Truth

ABmako285 · 05-28-2008, 06:51 AM

I've got a pair of 2000 225 FICHT and one motor starts fine no problem. Other motor cranks but does not fire. Checked fuses, pulled each out and all were good. Checked connections, fuel line, bulb, grounds, etc and all appear good. Checked fuel water seperator and good fuel, no water etc. Checked the fuel filter at the motor and full of fuel, no water etc. After doing all of these things, tried to start and it fired up on first crank and ran like a champ for 1 hour trip. Shut motors and anchored for 2 hours, the same motor again had the same problem -- cranked but would not fire. I did each of the same steps but attempted to start between each just to see if I could isolate the poroblem. The only thing that seemed to affect the start was when I unscrewed the fuel filter at the motor and released the pressure, then screwed it back in place, pumped the bulb again and it fired right up on first crank.

According to the shop manual, old gas could be a factor. The gas in the tank is about 8 months old -- could the old gas affect one motor and not the other?? I have been running these motors about every two to three weeks on the same gas since the last gas I purchased, so they have not sat unused for any extended period of time.

Any ideas??

nexus · 05-28-2008, 04:14 PM

I hate to say it, but mine did the same thing. Could not really isolate a cause for the starting problem. Thought I may have a loose ground, but come to find out the EMM was not functioning right. Left the boat in the slip and had the mechanic come out and swap a "good" EMM for a test start first thing in the morning after sitting for a week. Fired right up like a new engine. Did not let it run, put the old EMM back on and would not fire. Spoke with the folks at DFI Technologies and it appears to be a relatively common problem that they address. I am going to send the EMM in after this weekend.

Sounds like you checked the fuel flow, have someone check all the grounds, the start assist circuit, and lastly the EMM.

Good luck

A1 Outboard · 05-29-2008, 05:33 AM

The FICHT engines, and most others, do not run well on old gasoline. Hard starting is one of the symptoms.

There are two electrical systems in your motor, the 12 volt charging system and a 40 volt injector/ignition system. The power is supplied by the stator and the voltage is regulated by the engine's computer, the EMM. If the motor is crankiing too slowly or the input voltage to the starter and EMM is less than 9.5 V, the motor may not start or be very hard to start. Enough cranking rpm is needed to generate the current needed to run the motor.

A weak stator or an internal problem of the EMM starter assist circuit could be the problem. A lot of times the engine develops enough power to make spark at the plugs, but not enough power to activate the injectors completely. Of course engine condition, plug wear, sensor readings, etc. all afftect starting also.

ABmako285 · 05-29-2008, 06:19 AM

I believe I have enough 12 volt power, each motor has a seperate start battery and then I have a seperate house battery for electronics etc. When I had the starting problem I thought I may not have had enough 12volt power so selected ALL on the battery switch which added the house battery -- fairly sure that had enough power.

I do not believe the engine was cranking to slowly, cranking was normal throughout, did not weaken or slow. I know what you mean with the slow crank and have seen/heard that before.

I did check the start circuit fuse and all the others and all were good, but I don't have the tech knowledge to do much more (40volt etc).

EMM -- now that's another story...........good point.

Bad/Old Gas -- I think I'll disconnect the fuel line and hook the motor up to fresh gas and see what happens. If I'm lucky...............maybe that will be the problem.

If it's not the gas, then it will be time to have it check by my mechanic. Thanks.

A1 Outboard · 05-29-2008, 06:34 AM

To check your battery and cables, hook up a digital voltmeter to the starter positive post, not the cable terminal, and the ground to the engine block. Crank the motor over while watching the voltage at the starter. It should be above 9.5 volts showing you have enough battery power. If below 9.5V, then start troubleshooting.

ABmako285 · 05-29-2008, 01:35 PM

I'll check. Thanks.