Check Engine light

[Irish Rover]

Hoping someone else had this problem so I can get a head start on the problem.

Last weekend I am running my boat and the check engine light comes on after running the boat at 3/4throttle for about 15minutes.  So naturally I back off in speed and go to check if water is coming out, engine smoking, anything out of the normal.  Nothing, everything looks good.  Get back to the helm and the check engine light is out.  So I run the boat up to 4400rpms and couple of minutes light is on again, I back off and light goes out.  Long story short I can run the boat at 3200rpms and the light does not come on.

Engine is 1999 Evinrude Ficht with 142hours, new water pump and impeller.

I figure I got a fuel problem or the engine is running hot for some reason.

Any ideas as to where to start.

Second time running the boat, very glad that I bought an Aquasport.

Any help would be appreciated

Justin

1999 245 Explorer 25' WA

[JimCt]

Does you owner's manual tell you what sensors the light's connected to?

[Irish Rover]

Haven't checked it yet.  Thanks for the idea Jim.  

Justin

[John Jones]

My JohnnyRude monitors: head temp, oil injection flow, oil tank level, and fuel suction pressure (vacuum - which means a restriction in the fuel line).  Some outboards monitor water flow as well.  Hard to guess without a manual and some simple tests.

[LilRichard]

Quick FYI- I think the early Fichts had some fairly common problems... a quick google search revealed information on Fichts seizing due to lean fuel conditions... so this may be obvious, but make sure you diagnose the problem before you continue to run the motor.

[JimCt]

IMHO, "all-purpose" Check Engine lights are ridiculous.
How much extra would it cost to have sensor-specific warning lights?  One for generator, one for oil, and so on.  Same thing on cars...

 A Check Engine light should have a euro-styled symbol on it of a mechanic, his hand out, with a dollar sign above it.

[John Jones]

A Check Engine light should have a euro-styled symbol on it of a mechanic, his hand out, with a dollar sign above it.

 

Some now have horns with different patterns for hot, oil, water, etc.  My old motor has the option for a gauge with the symbols and LED indicators but it was not installed and of course not available any more.  I thought about getting out the schematics and building my own indicator.  I have worked in electrical/electronics for 35 years but the Johnson diagrams are the hardest thing I have ever seen to follow.

[RickK]

A Check Engine light should have a euro-styled symbol on it of a mechanic, his hand out, with a dollar sign above it.

Yup, that was pretty good  

[Irish Rover]

I think I am out of my league with this engine.  There are so many things going on in this engine.

I think I will let my engine savy friend take a shot at it.  

Thanks for all the info to the board.

Justin

[JimCt]

If he can run the diagnostics he should be able to chase the problem down.  May be something as simple as a t-stat.

Try www.themarinedoctor.com.  He may have some ideas too.