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Author Topic:   Ficht Hard To Start

sbitet posted 10-15-2009 08:54 AM ET (US)
I have a 1999 Evinrude 225 Ficht which has been a nightmare to cold start using two Group-27 batteries. Manual says it requires Group-29. Once it starts, no problem throughout the day. Think it is the batteries? Any thoughts? Seems to crank with plenty of RPM but not sure. Any idea what else it could be. Thanks
jimh posted 10-15-2009 08:58 AM ET (US)
I am surprised the manual specifies the battery form factor. Usually the battery requirements are just given in terms of cranking amperes. Some motors suppress ignition until the engine speed during cranking reaches a certain threshold. If your boat battery is not strong enough to crank the engine above its minimum speed, there may be no spark. Place a spark tester in-line with one of the spark plugs. During cranking observe if there is spark.
Peter posted 10-15-2009 09:50 AM ET (US)
When you turn the key to the on position, do you hear the buzzing of an electric fuel pump?
Also, what is the gap of the sparkplugs and are they indexed properly? If the gap becomes excessive, a Ficht can be difficult to start.
Yet another question, what is the cold cranking amp (CCA) rating of the group 27 batteries?
Jefecinco posted 10-15-2009 09:58 AM ET (US)
If you check the spark plug gaps as Peter suggested also consider replacing them if they appear to have much carbon on them. Are you using BRP oil? If not are you adding Carbon Guard to your fuel at each fill up? Carbon build up is something to avoid in any engine.
Butch
sbitet posted 10-15-2009 07:06 PM ET (US)
Manual states 12v, Group 29, 675 CCA ( or 107 Amp-hour), since I always start with the battery selector switch to both, thought I would have had plenty..juice. I believe my Group 27 batteries have 730cca (105 Amp-hour) which should be more than enough. The two batteries are only a year old, but maybe they are not holding a good charge. When I use the battery booster, gets more rpm and it does eventually start quicker and easier. I do hear the fuel pump when I first turn the ignition on.
I welcome your ideas and will check the plugs and spark next.
Thanks for your help,
Sam B
sbitet posted 10-15-2009 07:13 PM ET (US)
Oh yeah, I have been using the XD-50 oil that is recomended.
Peter posted 10-16-2009 06:38 AM ET (US)
I use a group 27 marine starting battery with an 800 CCA, 1000 MCA rating with a reserve capacity of 115 amp-hours. The only time I have had difficulty starting was when the sparkplug gap was too large (was near 0.080) and it was cold (below 50F) outside. Gap should be about 0.030. A black, dry, fine powdercarbon appearance on the plug, particularly on the side of the plug facing the injector, is normal.
If you haven't done so, consider doing a decarb of the motor. For that process, I use BRP's Engine Tuner following the directions on the can.

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Author	Topic: Ficht Hard To Start
sbitet	posted 10-15-2009 08:54 AM ET (US) I have a 1999 Evinrude 225 Ficht which has been a nightmare to cold start using two Group-27 batteries. Manual says it requires Group-29. Once it starts, no problem throughout the day. Think it is the batteries? Any thoughts? Seems to crank with plenty of RPM but not sure. Any idea what else it could be. Thanks
jimh	posted 10-15-2009 08:58 AM ET (US) I am surprised the manual specifies the battery form factor. Usually the battery requirements are just given in terms of cranking amperes. Some motors suppress ignition until the engine speed during cranking reaches a certain threshold. If your boat battery is not strong enough to crank the engine above its minimum speed, there may be no spark. Place a spark tester in-line with one of the spark plugs. During cranking observe if there is spark.
Peter	posted 10-15-2009 09:50 AM ET (US) When you turn the key to the on position, do you hear the buzzing of an electric fuel pump? Also, what is the gap of the sparkplugs and are they indexed properly? If the gap becomes excessive, a Ficht can be difficult to start. Yet another question, what is the cold cranking amp (CCA) rating of the group 27 batteries?
Jefecinco	posted 10-15-2009 09:58 AM ET (US) If you check the spark plug gaps as Peter suggested also consider replacing them if they appear to have much carbon on them. Are you using BRP oil? If not are you adding Carbon Guard to your fuel at each fill up? Carbon build up is something to avoid in any engine. Butch
sbitet	posted 10-15-2009 07:06 PM ET (US) Manual states 12v, Group 29, 675 CCA ( or 107 Amp-hour), since I always start with the battery selector switch to both, thought I would have had plenty..juice. I believe my Group 27 batteries have 730cca (105 Amp-hour) which should be more than enough. The two batteries are only a year old, but maybe they are not holding a good charge. When I use the battery booster, gets more rpm and it does eventually start quicker and easier. I do hear the fuel pump when I first turn the ignition on. I welcome your ideas and will check the plugs and spark next. Thanks for your help, Sam B
sbitet	posted 10-15-2009 07:13 PM ET (US) Oh yeah, I have been using the XD-50 oil that is recomended.
Peter	posted 10-16-2009 06:38 AM ET (US) I use a group 27 marine starting battery with an 800 CCA, 1000 MCA rating with a reserve capacity of 115 amp-hours. The only time I have had difficulty starting was when the sparkplug gap was too large (was near 0.080) and it was cold (below 50F) outside. Gap should be about 0.030. A black, dry, fine powdercarbon appearance on the plug, particularly on the side of the plug facing the injector, is normal. If you haven't done so, consider doing a decarb of the motor. For that process, I use BRP's Engine Tuner following the directions on the can.