Information About How to Idle a FICHT Outboard Motor

In 2003, Evinrude replaced the FICHT fuel injection, sometimes called DFI for "direct fuel injection," with the Evinrude ETEC system. The engine's electronic control unit, its on-board computer, controls the fuel and ignition system for the FICHT-type Evinrude outboard motors. Input from various sensors throughout the engine adjusts the ignition and fuel systems to optimize both performance and efficiency. During starting, each ignition coil fires automatically when a piston reaches 5 degrees before top dead center. Once above 440 rpm, the ECU takes control of both the timing and idle.

Things You'll Need

  • Inductive timing light
  • Inductive shop tachometer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attach the clamp of the inductive shop tachometer to the No. 1 spark plug lead. Attach the clamp of the inductive timing light to the spark plug wire for the No. 1 cylinder as well. Attach the shop tach above the timing light -- place the tach as high as possible to make it easier to read.

    • 2

      Locate the timing pointer on the flywheel cover at the top of the engine. Note the timing markers are white for "Before Top Dead Center" and yellow for "After Top Dead Center." Start the engine and allow it to idle.

    • 3

      Pull the fast idle lever up. When the engine is operating at fast idle -- about 1,500 rpm on the shop tachometer -- point the timing light at the pointer and the timing marks. You should see a continuous display of a white "T" This indicates the ECU has set the timing to 5 degrees BTDC. Check the tachometer once more

    • 4

      Push the fast idle lever down to reduce the engine speed to slow idle. Check the shop tachometer -- the correct, stable engine speed is 700 rpm. If the idle speed is too high, inspect the air induction system for a leak. If the speed is too low, but everything else seems to work right, replace the electronic control unit.

    • 5

      Check the timing with the timing light. If the idle speed is correct, the timing will fall between 6 and 14 degrees BTDC.