2003 Ficht 225 DI issue

[fpritchard]

Hello all. Recently put my 89 Grady with the 225 Ficht motor in the water. First time out it ran strong with out any noticeable issues. Next time out engine fired immediately, idled around 600 rpms, and ran for about an hour or so at various rpms with no issues. Upon returning to dock entered some low water and churned up some bottom. Ran the boat for about another 30 minutes after that and didn’t have any problems. Last time out was running to reef at approx 3800 to 4200 rpms when i thought I felt a miss. I bumped up to about 4500 and it seemed to stop. Upon decreasing the throttle felt what I thought was a miss again. At that point without touching the throttle the motor began to surge from about 3000 to almost 4000 without touching the throttle. I backed it down to about 2000 and it really began running rough. As I attempted to increase throttle got a check engine light and slow mode. I shut down, waited a min or two and restarted. From this point on anything over around 2000 caused it to run rough. Throttled higher than that caused ck engine and slow mode. Limped in and got her in slip. The next day I started the motor and it started immediately idling at about 600. After about 2 minutes the idle jumped to around 1000 then began swinging between 1500 and 600.
My thought initially was that I had a restriction in the emm or vapor passages which I will check. Pretty sure plugs are fouled. Leaning towards tps though based on symptoms. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I would hate to pull her if I don’t have to as it is a huge PITA. Cross posting in a few forums in the hope someone has has similar issues that have been resolved. Another forum user suggested the fuel pump vapor separator could be faulty.

 

[fpritchard]

So I’m still waiting for the software to arrive. Can anyone tell me how to diagnose either a bad low pressure lift pump or the high side fuel pump vst?
Model E225fpxstm. Thanks

 

[DennisG01]

What was the code for the check engine light and it's information? It went into guardian mode for a reason... what was the computer's reason for doing so? Seems like that would be a good place to start? Or is that you mean by "software"?

High pressure pumps can be checked at the fuel rail for fuel pressure. I'm not sure what type of low pressure pump you have, but if they're engine operated than you most likely can check them for vacuum and pressure (like my engine, anyways).

Do you have a service manual? If not, get one. It should have these procedures in it for you particular engine.

 

[fpritchard]

Thank you for the reply. Yes I am waiting to receive the diagnostic software and cable so I can look at the fault codes. I don’t have a factory manual and the one I do have is marginal at best. Will also do a pressure test on the high pressure side and check the low pressure side lift pump to see if there is fuel coming from the lines when I squeeze the primer bulb. Question. I have an automotive fuel pressure gauge. Is the fitting in the high pressure side “standard” or do I require a special adapter. Thanks again.

 

[fpritchard]

Re: 2003 Ficht 225 DI issue Resolved

Resolved. Turned out to be the TPS after all. Tested it with an ohm meter and it failed miserably. Readings all over the place. Coupled with the symptoms and the diagnostic readings and ruling everything else out I decided to replace it and also cleaned out the connector which actually looked pretty good. Ran her this morning and ran flawlessly. A huge thank you to all of you who shared their experience and knowledge with me. You are an invaluable resource and saved this novice a ton of headache and aggravation. Hope I can help someone else out someday.