23 SeaCraft w/ Twin 175 Fichts

[Stauter99]

I am currently looking at a 1976 23' SeaCraft with twin 175 fichts on it with 210 hours. I am deathly scared of these engines as I have heard nothing but horror stories. The owner claims them to be 1998s. What I want to know is have any of you all dealt with these particular engines or is anyone on here currently running a ficht? I would definitely plan to repower this boat, but if I were to purchase it, I would hope to get a season or two out of the current power so I could have some time to save up money for more reliable and efficient power. Thanks

[Bigshrimpin]

Been there . . . If it has an aluminum finned (non water cooled) computer . . . run away. Value the engines at what it would cost to have them removed from your boat minus the value in scrap metal. 210 hours since 1998 = 14 hours a year. When they run . . . Just know approx 2500 - 3200rpm is off limits . . . There is a transition point in the injection system that causes those motors to run like dogdoo. Really the 150/175hp 97 - 2001 were the bad ficht motors. If you are thinking you might be able to get a season out of them without any problems . . . you will be disappointed.


You can see what the different computer look like here.

http://www.dfitechnologies.com/products.html

[Capt Chuck]

Great Post Big!!

Another point to consider is, back when, the factory agreed to repair these engines when they discovered they had boucu problems (Like a Recall per se')
Make sure that the seller has paperwork from them showing that the upgrades / repairs were done.
One being injector straps. Without them, they come loose & spray fuel all over creation, thus FIRE!!

As Go Fast would tell ya " check that the man did da repairs & be leary of runnin` the motahs"

[RUSTYNTABATHA]

So all ficht motors are bad or just the 97-01 ??? i know a few guys that love theirs...

[Snookerd]

02 and newer have a great reputation because of BRP Ownership efforts to correct the issues. Most people are gun shy because the don't know the real story just Internet rumor. As Capt Chuck mentioned the issues with those small block v6's were the biggest problem motors

[gofastsandman]

The big fucht bombs were not as bad as the 60 deg. as Big said, but all of OMC was going down hard and fast. All parts were suspect as QC was a joke and suppliers,vendors, and dealers were on the hook for the red ink, and pissed I imagine. Once BRP took over and cleaned house, things got pretty darn good. By 02 things were getting better and they continue. Chuck has one of the last of the V 8 intercepters. Sorry, wrong movie reference.

Another great point was made about runnin` the motahs. Dry, rusty, and gummy is no way to go through life son. Those hours are a huge flag, like an I`m afraid to run the grenades kinda flag. None will go near them.

[DonV]

"Run Forrest, run!!!

It's a roll of the dice, very low hours might be good for you, however don't expect too much in the trade value for new motors. You might run these with no problems for a couple of years and be very happy. Back to the roll of the dice. I do have a friend who has a 150 hp about the same year and swears by it. Now we have really confused you!

Good luck! In any case it's a great hull!!!

[Bigshrimpin]

Originally Posted by RUSTYNTABATHA

So all ficht motors are bad or just the 97-01 ??? i know a few guys that love theirs...

I'm not saying all of them . . . really just the 97 - 01 150 and 175.

[fdheld34]

Tim...
Now I am curious..If all updates and corrections have been made ...are they still crappy motors???
Heard of people saying they have done "updates"...not sure what that means...
-Fred

[uncleboo]

Had a friend who bought a boat with one on it brand new and on the first trip off Hatteras, it died on him. (less than 20 hours on it)