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Jeff,

I read your post and then edited mine because I thought time bomb was a little harsh or abrupt or something...

I grew up in the 50's with Evinrude Motors that are probably still running, so my bias is actually in favor.

That's why I didn't think twice about buying a used Whaler with a motor that had 300 hours on it.

I actually think the FICHT models that had the most problems were the 150 and 175. Same block I think. I still see larger models running around.

This particular motor had a flat spot in the throttle up, where it would sputter and act like it was going to die. It didn't idle worth a darn and the temperature would climb for no apparent reason, then drop back to normal. Two different mechanics in Costa Mesa worked on it and neither could solve any of the above problems. I personally think the oil injection was working intermittently and that's what eventually killed it off.

One day at cruising speed the motor developed a loud clacking sound. It wasn't overheating and it had good oil pressure so I limped back home.

The mechanic told me it would be about three to four thousand to fix it, and it would probably happen again. Then he said he wasn't surprised because most of them blow up. I said, "What do you mean, most outboards blow up?" And he said, "No just these OMC FICHTS from that era blow up."

After the discussion I towed the boat home and parked. I did some internet searches and found lots of negative stuff with this motor. Apparently they're either wonderful or, they blow up.

Well no amount of rebuilding would make me feel confident in that motor. Besides I'm an incessant worry wart and there's no way I'm going to take my family out and risk their lives on the ocean with a motor that's probably going to blow up.

Now when I hear FICHT I react like Moe in the Three Stooges did when he hears Niagara Falls. "Slowly I turn step by step inch by inch..." You get the picture.

I opted for a Yamaha F115 four stroke that does everything it's supposed to, and quietly to boot.

I sold the FICHT on Craig’s list to a mechanic up in Santa Barbara for $750. He called me a few weeks later and asked if I had ever overheated it. Like I mentioned the temperature did fluctuate. I gave him the prior mechanic's number who worked on it so he could get the history straight. I should have kept in touch with him so I could hear how that motor's story ends.

Paul Harold
Hollywood Hills, California