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Evinrude Ficht 135 Specifications
| Engine Model: Evinrude Ficht 135 |
| Engine Type: 2-stroke 6-cylinder gasoline outboard engine |
| Total Displacement: 158 cu.in (2.6 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 135 Hp (100 kW) at 5250 rpm |
| Fuel System: Direct fuel injection (DFI) |
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| General Technical Data |
The Evinrude Ficht 135 is a direct-injection two-stroke outboard that combines robust power delivery with enhanced fuel economy and reduced emissions. Developed as a de-rated version of the Ficht 150 and 175 platforms, the 135 model benefited from engineering improvements that resolved issues affecting earlier iterations, such as combustion chamber carbon accumulation.
The engine incorporates the Ficht Ram system, which includes targeted cooling passages, cylinder sleeve oiling for enhanced lubrication under load, and reprogrammed electronic engine management for seamless power delivery across the operating range.
Users report instant starting in all
conditions, an exceptionally smooth idle, and acceleration
characteristics that compare favorably with competing direct-injection
outboards of the era. The engine's stratified combustion mode at lower
revolutions provides remarkable fuel economy during trolling and
moderate cruising, transitioning to homogeneous combustion for maximum
power output when demanded.
The Evinrude Ficht 135 is a 60-degree V6, two-stroke outboard engine
utilizing Ficht direct fuel injection technology. The engine produces
135 propeller Hp at 5000 RPM, with a maximum recorded output of 143.4 Hp
during dynamometer testing. The full throttle operating range is 4750 to
5250 RPM. Engine displacement is 2.6 litres (158 cubic inches), achieved
with a bore of 3.67 inches (93 mm) and a stroke of 2.58 inches (66 mm).
The charging system produces 35 regulated amps for battery maintenance and accessory power. Available shaft lengths include 20 inches and 25 inches to accommodate various transom heights. The gear ratio is 1.86:1, providing optimal thrust for a wide range of boat applications. The engine is designed to operate on standard 87 octane unleaded fuel.
| Powerhead |
The powerhead is constructed around a 60-degree V6 cylinder block with loop-charged induction, a configuration that optimizes fuel scavenging and power production. The Ficht Ram system incorporates a critical modification where cooling water is directed over the cylinder exhaust ports to reduce operating temperatures in this high-stress region. Equal water distribution to each cylinder bank prevents the formation of hot spots between the banks, contributing to uniform thermal expansion and extended engine life.
The combustion chambers feature specially designed deflectors that direct the fuel spray away from the spark plugs, improving ignition reliability and reducing the potential for fouling. Unlike conventional two-stroke engines, the Ficht design eliminates the need for intake and exhaust valves, relying instead on precisely timed port openings and advanced fuel injection timing to control the combustion process.
| Fuel System |
The Ficht 135 utilizes a high-pressure direct fuel injection system managed by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) modified specifically for this application. The fuel system operates in two distinct modes depending on engine speed and load. At low revolutions below 2000 RPM, the system employs stratified combustion, where layers of air and fuel mixture are carefully controlled to achieve ratios as lean as 40:1, providing exceptional fuel economy during trolling and no-wake operation. As engine speed increases and the torque band becomes active, the system transitions to homogeneous combustion with air-fuel ratios of approximately 25:1 for maximum power output.
The ECU programming incorporates sophisticated logic that reduces fuel delivery above 1500 RPM when exhaust back pressure increases, and enriches the mixture when back pressure decreases, minimizing exhaust emissions under varying load conditions. The injectors themselves are Sagem Inc toe-seat units that provide superior sealing during the injection stroke and more consistent spray patterns for optimal combustion.
| Lubrication System |
The Ficht 135 employs a sophisticated multi-point targeted oiling system that represents a significant advancement over conventional two-stroke lubrication methods. A higher-pressure oil pump delivers lubricant to critical engine components including the crankshaft bearings and wrist pin bearings, reducing friction under heavy load conditions.
A distinctive feature of the Ficht Ram system is cylinder sleeve oiling, which provides enhanced lubrication precisely when the engine is under increased load. This system incorporates a precisely positioned hole in each piston skirt below the lower piston ring, allowing pressurized oil to reach the cylinder walls and reduce piston ring and bore wear.
The recommended lubricant is Evinrude Ficht Ram oil, a semi-synthetic blend containing heavy-duty solvent additives that dissolve carbon deposits and hold them in suspension for expulsion with exhaust gases. This specialized oil formulation is reportedly 2.6 times more effective in reducing carbon deposits than conventional TC-W3 solvent additive packages. The oil tank capacity ranges from 1.8 to 10 gallons depending on the remote tank option selected.
| Cooling System |
The cooling system on the Ficht 135 is a pressure-controlled, water-cooled design that incorporates the Ficht Ram modifications for enhanced thermal management. The system directs cooling water specifically over the cylinder exhaust ports, an area subjected to intense thermal stress during operation. Equal water volume is distributed to each cylinder bank to maintain uniform temperatures and prevent the formation of hot spots that could lead to cylinder distortion or premature component failure.
A rubber-impeller water pump, driven by the vertical driveshaft within the lower unit, draws water from the surrounding environment and circulates it through the engine's cooling passages. Thermostats regulate minimum operating temperature, allowing the engine to warm up quickly before opening to maintain optimal thermal efficiency. The water pump impeller requires replacement at every annual service interval to maintain cooling system reliability.
| Mid Section and Lower Unit |
The midsection houses the exhaust tuner, which is engineered to enhance low-end torque by utilizing exhaust pressure pulses to improve cylinder scavenging. The lower unit contains the forward, neutral, and reverse gears with a gear ratio of 1.86:1, providing a favorable balance of acceleration and cruising efficiency.
The gearcase is filled with high-viscosity marine gear lubricant that must be changed annually or every 100 operating hours. The propeller shaft is supported by heavy-duty bearings capable of withstanding the thrust loads generated by the 135 Hp output. Sacrificial anodes are strategically located on the lower unit and engine components to provide galvanic corrosion protection in saltwater environments.
| Trim and Tilt System |
The Evinrude Ficht 135 is equipped with a power trim and tilt system as standard equipment. On later models, this evolved to the FasTrak Power Trim and Tilt system, which provides a trim range of -6 deg to 15 deg and a tilt range of 75 deg for complete out-of-water trailering and servicing.
The hydraulic system allows the operator to adjust engine angle dynamically while underway, optimizing hull performance by modifying the propeller thrust angle relative to the water surface. This adjustability provides significant benefits in acceleration, fuel economy, and ride quality across varying load and water conditions.
| Propeller Information |
Propeller selection for the Ficht 135 must allow the engine to operate within its specified full-throttle RPM range of 4750 to 5250 RPM when the boat is normally loaded. The engine utilizes propellers with a spline configuration matching the gearcase, and stainless steel propellers are commonly preferred for their durability and performance characteristics.
A 17-inch pitch stainless steel propeller has been demonstrated to provide an excellent blend of bottom-end torque and acceleration on appropriate hulls. The propeller nut must be tightened to 70 to 80 lb-ft and properly secured with a staking or locking mechanism. This torque specification ensures the propeller remains securely fastened while preventing damage to the propeller shaft or thrust hub.
| Dimensions and Weight |
The Evinrude Ficht 135 represents a significant weight advantage over comparable four-stroke engines of similar power output. The engine weight is approximately 188 kg (415 lbs) for the 25-inch shaft model, which is approximately 10 percent lighter than competing direct-injection outboards of the era.
Later E-TEC versions of the 135 Hp platform weigh 190 kg (418 lbs) for the 20-inch shaft model. Physical dimensions vary with shaft length selection, with the overall height from mounting clamp to anti-ventilation plate determined by the 20-inch or 25-inch shaft specification. The 60-degree V6 configuration maintains a compact width suitable for multi-engine installations where spacing between powerheads is limited.
| Maintenance Data |
The Evinrude Ficht 135 is designed with straightforward maintenance requirements to minimize ownership costs and downtime. Recommended service intervals are every 100 operating hours or annually, whichever occurs first, with an additional initial service at 20 hours or three months. Annual maintenance includes replacement of the water pump impeller, changing the gearcase lubricant, and application of lubricating grease to all appropriate fittings and pivot points.
Spark plugs feature a stepped center electrode with a very narrow platinum tip, an engineering refinement that extends plug lifespan and prevents late combustion caused by carbon deposits. The engine management system continuously monitors operating parameters and adjusts fuel delivery accordingly, reducing the need for frequent adjustments or calibrations.
| Tightening Torques |
Cylinder head bolts are tightened in a specific three-stage sequence
following a crisscross pattern, with a final torque range of 19 to 25
lb-ft. This graduated approach ensures even clamping force distribution
across the cylinder head gasket, maintaining proper combustion chamber
sealing while preventing head distortion.
The flywheel nut, which retains the flywheel to the crankshaft taper,
requires substantial torque ranging from 100 to 115 lb-ft. This high
value ensures the flywheel remains securely seated on the crankshaft
taper under all operating conditions, maintaining proper ignition timing
and alternator operation.
Connecting rod bolts are critical fasteners that bear the extreme loads
of combustion and reciprocating mass. These bolts must be torqued to 24
to 26 lb-ft to maintain proper bearing clearance and withstand the
dynamic forces without stretching or fatigue failure.
Bearing housing main fasteners also require 24 to 26 lb-ft. These
fasteners secure the crankshaft main bearings in their proper alignment
and must maintain consistent clamping force to support the crankshaft
under all load conditions.
Spark plugs are installed at 15 to 20 lb-ft. This torque value ensures
proper compression sealing while providing adequate heat transfer from
the spark plug to the cylinder head. Correct torque also prevents thread
damage in the aluminum cylinder head.
The propeller nut must be tightened to 70 to 80 lb-ft and properly
secured with a staking mechanism or locking device. This substantial
torque value ensures the propeller remains firmly attached to the
propeller shaft despite the high thrust loads and dynamic forces
encountered during operation.
| Boat Applications |
The Evinrude Ficht 135 is ideally suited for a wide range of boat types requiring reliable mid-range power with enhanced fuel efficiency. The engine performs exceptionally well on fiberglass runabouts, center console fishing boats, and lightweight aluminum craft in the 17 to 20-foot range. The power output and torque characteristics make it particularly effective for planing hulls that benefit from the engine's strong acceleration and cruising efficiency.
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