[THEFERMANATOR]

04 is one of the better models, that was after BOMBARDIER took over. Definately change the plugs and index them properly. Also check your filters and such. You should be running XD50 or XD100 in it. You NEED to run an approved DFI oil in it unless you want it to die a premature death from carbon build-up. ALOT of the FICHT failures have been traced back to improper oil being used and carboning the engine up and sticking the rings. I haven't ever owned or worked on one, but with fuel prices I have considered buying one and done ALOT of reading on them lately as the FICHT stigma has REALLY dropped the resale on the pre-ETEC engines. Also do a thorough de-carb with a heavy shot of SEA-FOAM and use some sort of additive in your fuel to prevent carboning on a regular basis. And the #1 thing I have read on these engines to NOT do is to let them sit and then start them up with regular gas in them. If your going to store it for any length of time(more than 3 weeks), you MUST treat the fuel and the whole fuel system before hand. Put a heavy shot of fuel atabilizer in the fuel as well as ring free or SEA-FOAM. The injectors in the FICHTS are known for sticking and cooking a piston after letting them sit up for awhile.