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Evinrude FICHT 115 Specifications
| Engine Model: Evinrude FICHT 115 |
| Engine Type: 2-stroke 4-cylinder gasoline outboard engine |
| Total Displacement: 105.2 cu.in (1.73 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 115 Hp (85 kW) at 5500 rpm |
| Fuel System: FICHT direct fuel injection |
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| General Technical Data |
The Evinrude FICHT 115 is a direct-injection
two-stroke V4 outboard engine representing a pioneering, though complex,
step in outboard emission and fuel efficiency technology. Introduced in
the late 1990s, the FICHT (Fully Integrated and Controlled Timing and
High Pressure) system was among the first commercially successful direct
injection systems for two-stroke outboards. This engine replaces
traditional carburetors with electronically controlled fuel injectors
that spray fuel directly into the cylinder after the exhaust port
closes, preventing unburned fuel from escaping.
The result is a substantial improvement in fuel economy, especially at
trolling speeds, along with a significant reduction in hydrocarbon
emissions. The 115 HP V4 configuration provides a strong power-to-weight
ratio. While early production faced reliability challenges that were
later addressed, the FICHT 115 remains an important technological
milestone, offering performance distinct from both carbureted
two-strokes and contemporary four-strokes.
Engine Designation: Evinrude FICHT 115
Engine Type: Two-stroke, FICHT Direct Fuel Injection
Cylinder Arrangement: V4 (60-degree bank angle)
Bore: 3.600 inches (91.44 mm)
Stroke: 2.755 inches (70.0 mm)
Displacement: 105.2 cubic inches (1.726 liters)
Compression Ratio: 6.2:1
Rated Power: 115 Hp 115 Hp (85 kW) at 5,500 RPM
Full Throttle Operating Range: 5,000 to 6,000 RPM
Ignition System: Fully electronic, integrated into the Engine Management
Module (EMM). Features a wasted-spark or individual coil-on-plug design
depending on model year.
Starting System: 12-volt electric starter motor with solenoid.
Charging System: 35-amp or higher output alternator (specific output
varies by model year).
Direction of Rotation: Standard right-hand rotation. Counter-rotation
models are available for dual installations. Gear Ratio: 2.00:1
Gear Shift: Hydraulic-mechanical actuation.
Exhaust System: Through-the-propeller-hub underwater exhaust.
Fuel Requirement: 87 octane (R+M)/2 unleaded gasoline.
Emissions Certification: Meets the U.S. EPA marine emissions standards
of its production period.
| Cylinder Block |
The cylinder block is an aluminum alloy casting with a 60-degree V4 configuration. This bank angle allows for a compact and narrow powerhead design. The block incorporates cylinder bores that are either plated with a hardened composite material or fitted with iron liners, depending on the specific manufacturing period and updates.
A forged steel crankshaft rotates within the block, supported by three main bearings. The block structure houses the internal transfer passages for intake air and includes mounting provisions for the high-pressure fuel pump, injector harness, and other FICHT-specific components.
| Cylinder Head and Valves |
This FICHT direct injection two-stroke engine operates without poppet valves. Gas exchange is managed by piston-port timing. Each cylinder bank is capped by its own aluminum alloy cylinder head. The combustion chamber is a machined design optimized for the direct injection fuel spray pattern and stratified charge combustion at low speeds.
The head design facilitates effective loop scavenging. The key distinction from carbureted engines is that fuel enters after the exhaust port is sealed by the piston, allowing only air to pass through the ports. Cylinder heads incorporate coolant passages and mounting bosses for the fuel injectors and spark plugs.
| Fuel System |
The fuel system is the defining FICHT Ram Injection system. It is a high-pressure direct injection system comprising a low-pressure lift pump, a camshaft-driven mechanical high-pressure fuel pump, a fuel rail, and individual solenoid-controlled fuel injectors for each cylinder. The system operates at pressures near 150 psi. The Engine Management Module (EMM) controls injection timing and duration with precision.
Fuel is injected directly into the cylinder after the piston has risen enough to close the exhaust port, eliminating the "short-circuiting" loss of unburned fuel common in carbureted two-strokes. This allows for extremely lean operation at idle and trolling speeds (stratified charge) and a richer, homogeneous charge at full power.
| Lubrication System |
The lubrication system is an automatic, demand-based oil injection system separate from the fuel delivery. It uses a dedicated oil tank and an electronically controlled oil pump. The pump meters 100% synthetic Evinrude XD100 oil directly into the engine's intake air stream.
The oil injection rate is controlled by the EMM based on engine load and RPM, varying the effective oil-to-gas ratio. Under normal operation, the system delivers oil at ratios between 150:1 and 50:1, resulting in very low oil consumption compared to pre-mix systems. The system must never be run without the specified oil, and the oil tank must not be allowed to run dry.
| Cooling System |
The cooling system is a conventional raw water cooling system. A rubber impeller water pump, located in the gearcase, draws ambient water through the intake screens. Coolant water is circulated through passages in the cylinder block, cylinder heads, and exhaust manifold. A thermostat regulates the engine temperature, maintaining consistent thermal operating conditions.
A visual tell-tale stream provides confirmation of water pump operation. The cooling system is standard in design but is critical for maintaining stable temperatures for the electronic management system and injection components.
| Other Systems |
Electrical and Control System: The core of the engine is the Engine
Management Module (EMM). This waterproofed computer controls ignition
timing, fuel injection pulse width, oil injection rate, and monitors all
system sensors. It is capable of storing fault codes for diagnosis.
Power Trim and Tilt: A hydraulic trim and tilt system is standard,
operated by a 12-volt electric motor and pump.
Exhaust System: Tuned exhaust passages within the mid-section. Exhaust
is water-cooled and discharged underwater through the propeller hub.
Gearcase (Lower Unit): A standard or performance-oriented aluminum alloy
gearcase houses the driveshaft, propeller shaft, and gears. Lubricant
capacity is approximately 26 fluid ounces (0.77 liters) of gear oil.
Sensors: Relies on multiple sensors including crankshaft position,
throttle position, manifold air pressure, engine temperature, and fuel
rail pressure.
| Dimensions and Weight |
Dry Weight (Approximate): 375 lbs (170 kg) for a standard electric start model with power trim/tilt. The direct injection system and compact V4 design contribute to a weight advantage over some contemporary four-stroke engines of similar power. Shaft Lengths Available: 20 inches (508 mm) and 25 inches (635 mm) are standard offerings. Overall Dimensions: The 60-degree V4 configuration results in a narrow powerhead, contributing to a trim overall package suitable for a wide range of transoms.
| Maintenance Data |
Spark Plugs: Uses specific resistor spark plugs designed for the FICHT
system. Gap and type are critical; consult model-specific manual.
Replacement interval is longer than for carbureted engines.
Fuel Filters: Contains both a standard water-separating fuel filter and
a high-pressure filter for the injection system. Both require regular
service as per maintenance schedule.
Water Pump Impeller: Replace every two years or 300 operating hours.
Gearcase Lubricant: Drain and refill annually or every 100 operating
hours.
Oil Injection System: Verify operation regularly. Use only Evinrude
XD100 oil. Ensure the oil pickup tube in the tank is free of air bubbles
after servicing.
Diagnostics: Requires proprietary software and a interface cable to
connect a PC to the EMM for reading fault codes and performing system
tests. Basic warning indicators are present on the dash.
Fuel System Deaeration: The high-pressure fuel system is sensitive to
air. Proper bleeding procedures are mandatory after any fuel line
disconnection.
| Tightening Torques |
Cylinder Head Nuts: 20-22 lb-ft (27-30 Nm). Follow the specified
crisscross sequence.
Spark Plugs: 15 lb-ft (20 Nm).
Flywheel Nut: 90-105 lb-ft (122-142 Nm). Requires a crankshaft locking
tool.
Main Bearing Cap Bolts: 22-24 lb-ft (30-33 Nm).
Connecting Rod Cap Nuts: 17-19 lb-ft (23-26 Nm).
Gearcase Drain/Fill Screws: 60-80 lb-in (6.8-9.0 Nm).
Propeller Nut: 55 lb-ft (75 Nm). Secure with a cotter pin.
Fuel Injector Hold-Down Bolt: 45 lb-in (5.1 Nm). This is a critical and
sensitive torque specification.
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Mounting Bolts: 90 lb-in (10.2 Nm).
| Boat Applications |
The Evinrude FICHT 115, with its blend of two-stroke power and improved
fuel efficiency, was targeted at a broad market of recreational boaters.
Primary Power: An ideal single engine for mid-size boats from 16 feet to
20 feet. Twin Installation: Used in twin configurations on larger
pontoons, deck boats, and fishing boats from 20 feet to 24 feet. Boat
Types: Aluminum deep-V fishing boats, center console boats, pontoon
boats, deck boats, and family runabouts.
Common Hull Brands: Found on a wide array of hulls from manufacturers
such as Lund, Crestliner, Starcraft, Bayliner, and many independent
builders during its production run from the late 1990s to early 2000s.
Its light weight and good trolling economy made it a popular choice for
multispecies anglers and recreational families seeking a performance
advantage over carbureted two-strokes.
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