Looking at a boat with one of these on it. Should I run away or are these motors reliable. The motor in question is on a tiller boat so I imagine it has some idle time.

Looking at a boat with one of these on it. Should I run away or are these motors reliable. The motor in question is on a tiller boat so I imagine it has some idle time.

I had a '98 115 Johnson FICHT (same motor as the Evinrude). Mine was awesome - no problems at all. I had a friend with a '99 115 FICHT that was very problematic. Most of the FICHT issues were with the 6 cylinder models (150 & up). It would be a gamble even if the motor runs good now - might be problematic to get parts for future repairs.

Any one else with any experience with these motors?

The prior poster was correct. Most of the problems were with the 98 and 99 v-6's. The 115hp is a v-4 and they were much less of an issue. I had a 99 150 for 7 trouble free years. The only work done was preventative. A friend had a 98 115 for roughly the same period of time. He had a couple of minor things go wrong so he decided to re-power with a 90 E-Tec. We were both very pleased with our Fichts.

I would have it checked out by a qualified marine mechanic before making a decision. They should be able to identify most previous problems with the motor and give you a history of the hours at verious rpm ranges. It's worth the cost of the inspection.

Good advice Steve, I will get it checked out prior to purchase.

I had a 99 Fitch 115 also and blew 2 powerheads,personally I would stay far away from that deal.

Well advised keep the experiences coming.

I had a '99 115 ficht . Rebuilt once. 2 ECM modules, 1 power pack, replaced all injectors after rebuild, a sensor on the fly wheel broke loose taking out the internal cowling. starter bendix stayed up causing damage to fly wheel. None under warranty due to OMC bankruptcy. Repowered with 115 E-tec when another cylinder failed for no reason. Great motor when it ran. But i almost payed for it twice with repairs. SHould of scraped it after 1st cylinder failure. I did know people that are still running their 115 ficht with no repairs so you might get lucky. Unless you are getting it for an unbelivable cheap price I would stay away. IF you do get it have a certified tech to read the computer etc before purchasing.


MWal

It's funny about that engine,I've talked to people who have never had a problem with that engine.When I did own the 115 Fitch it was hard staring and seemed to always smoke alot but it actually used very little oil and gas,it excelerated very hard,quickest boat I've ever been in and ran near 55,that Fitch sounded like a Ducati not a 2-stroker at idle,It's to bad OMC had so many issues with Fitch technology cause I would of still owned that rig today.

Another in the stay away category. I have noticed most comments seem to be negative, I may have to pass on this deal.

Ficht was one of the reasons for bankruptcy-You make the choice but for god sakes-have it checked out first-don't end up like the guy on the "buyer beware" thread last week.