Engine won't start - any ideas?

[CraigS]

Hannibal,
Since the boat is new to you, have you checked the condition of the gas in the tank? Old unconditioned gas? Water in the tank? Filters clogged?

Craig

 

[miky2884]

I could be a bad ECM or EMM, ficht motors are notorious for that, and it wont necessarily throw a code on the dash you might need to get the software and hook the motor up to it. If you have overheated the computer it will shut down components of the motor causing it not to start. There are cooling lines (saltwater) that go to the computer which cools the computer if those are blocked up(which happens a lot if the motor isn't flushed after use) the computer will over heat and it will shut down the engine. I had one of these motors so i have read a lot about them. I could be wrong but I figured id throw that out there.

if that is the case check this site out www.dfitechnologies.com they refresh and rebuild these computer systems.

 

[Hannibal]

Hannibal,
Since the boat is new to you, have you checked the condition of the gas in the tank? Old unconditioned gas? Water in the tank? Filters clogged?

Craig

Shouldn't be an issue. It was damn near empty when I bought it and was filled up and has been run through at least one full tank and close to 1/2 of another. I did add fuel stabilizer (can't remember exact brand - was recommended here) to the 2nd half of the first tank. So the gas should be good.

As for the filters, I can't say. They are going to be replaced anyhow over the winter. Would just like to get out on the water at least once more before she's pulled for good.

 

[Hannibal]

I could be a bad ECM or EMM, ficht motors are notorious for that, and it wont necessarily throw a code on the dash you might need to get the software and hook the motor up to it. If you have overheated the computer it will shut down components of the motor causing it not to start. There are cooling lines (saltwater) that go to the computer which cools the computer if those are blocked up(which happens a lot if the motor isn't flushed after use) the computer will over heat and it will shut down the engine. I had one of these motors so i have read a lot about them. I could be wrong but I figured id throw that out there.

if that is the case check this site out http://www.dfitechnologies.com they refresh and rebuild these computer systems.

I've heard some poor things about the FICHT motors myself, however, everything I've ready so far leads me to believe that those issues were pre-2000/2001 models. I've heard since Bombadier took over, that those same issues aren't being reported. I hope that remains the case here.

I can say the motor gets flushed after each use (within 45 minutes of pulling the boat) and gets flushed prior to hauling the boat to the ramp. Given it's finicky behavior with starting, I always prefer to confirm that it in fact will start before hauling it down the road. I flush it with salt-a-way after use and usually run it completely through with fresh water when "testing" it out before use.

 

[miky2884]

However you don't know if the previous owner flushed it that way or not. I believe if i recall correctly its not that hard to test the cooling lines just a matter of disconnecting one end if you are able to blow through them then you are clear if there is any resistance then that very well could be your problem.

i herd the same about the motors after bombardier took them over.

 

[Hannibal]

Well then I guess I will do some more reading and find out how to check the lines. I really need to get my hands on the shop manual it seems. Xmas can't get here fast enough.

 

[Brent]

m2cw is this site is better than a shop manual and it's free

 

[Hannibal]

Well, I got a new starter (they decided not to rebuild it) and got it hooked up. When I turned the key, she cranked hard but again, wouldn't turn over.

So, it looks like the starter fixed the weak cranking but didn't resolve the not firing part.

She did fire up one time but I quickly shut it down and tried again (to see if it was a fluke and it was).

I need to pick up a multimeter to see if it's getting the required volts. I also think I might recharge the batteries to make sure I am getting a full charge.

Do I need anything special for recharging the batteries? Would a standard trickle charger hooked to one actually charge both since they are tied together?

 

[Brent]

I have one battery charger that starts at 8A then cycles down to 2A. I use a trickle charger to keep a full charged battery fully charged. I don't consider it a charger but a bettery charger maintainer
How are your batteries wired together? Mine are separate