2000 Ficht Ram 225 won't crank or tilt - The Hull Truth

Jim_Arndt · 06-06-2008, 10:04 PM

This is my neighbors boat in a slip near me. He doesn't have a manual so I'm stumped at this point. Here's what I know:

E225FPZSSC

- It act's as if it has no power, yet I read 12.5 volts at the starter solonoid.
- The engine will not crank
- The trim/tilt doesn't function.
- The gauges don't move when the key is turned.
- Battery voltage is present on the 2 red wires on the large gauge 4 wire plug that goes into the fuse /relay panel on the motor.
- The 6 10 amp fuses on the panel are good. Theirs a black? wire coming off the panel with an inline 20amp fuse which is good.
- I couldn't figure out how to connect the kill switch lanyard, it looks like it goes around the key but I'm embarrassed to say I was stumped. I wouldn't think this would kill the tilt or power to the gauges?

Any ideas, it seems like a fuse but I can't find it. I'll check for corroded grounds tomorrow, but I'd think I'd at least get a click or something if that's the case, but it acts as if there's no power at all.

Also, I'm considering partnering on this boat. Does this year make the cutoff when the Ficht's are reliable, or should I run while I can.

Thanks,
Jim

A1 Outboard · 06-07-2008, 07:24 AM

The year 2000 FICHTS had a lot of teething problems and now 9 years later, what kind of condition is the motor in?

It sounds like you are having a lack of voltage issue at the motor. If you don't have the service manual with a wiring diagram and an understanding of the electrical system on that particular engine, it may be best to find a trained tech who in knowledgeable that particular motor. My initial guess is the power distribution panel but that is an expensive "put a new one on" type of troubleshooting.

Some things you can do:

Check the main power relay to see if it turns on with the key switch or at least if it is getting 12V

Jump the starter solenoid, with the key OFF, from the yellow wire to the battery cable to see if the motor will crank over

Make sure the battery is strong and that there are locknuts, not wingnuts holding the terminals on.

dlevitt · 06-09-2008, 06:58 PM

I had a similar issue where I was getting voltage but couldn't crank the engine. The radio worked but no motor. What I found out was that the ground wires were conected to a metal grounding plate. The connections on the ground had corrosion. I cleaned everything with a wire brush and problem solved.

I hope that your issue is this simple.

David

Jim_Arndt · 06-09-2008, 09:23 PM

Thanks for the replies. I'm waiting for the service manual to arrive, I definitely don't want to fry anything (especially the emm) on my neighbors boat guessing at stuff.

Here's the latest from the above comments:
- main power relay is getting power to the relay, but no power coming out. No signal is received on the purple wire into the relay, so I assume the relay is OK but what ever provides the signal via the purple wire is suspect (or the ground coming into the relay as mentioned above.)
- The engine will crank by jumping the yellow wire on the solenoid.
- the grounds are highly suspect as more than normal corrosion is present on the engine ( this boat has spent its life in a slip.). I hate to see this type of corrosion, as its so easy to prevent with proper maintenance.

Thanks for the advice.
Jim