E-Tect update

[Bob Parsons]

Based on the original conversation with the dealer, I expected the motor to have arrived a week ago. Of course that did not happen. Dealer called this week, he wanted me to sign some papers since the promo ends 4/15. He was surprised motor had not arrived but he says he gave then a call and was insured that the motor was not intranisit. The marina has not been idle waiting for the motor to arrive. Old motor is off and boat is ready for new.

The promo was the following choices:
Extended warrenty 5 year warrent
Rebate from Bombardier to me.
Rebate to be use directly on motor.

The rebate is $4 per hp thus 90 * 4 = $360

I needed to take the rebate applied to the motor,
What would your choice have been?

[gf2020]

Hey, $360 is $360!

I might have taken the extended warranty.

Dana will take care of you. I know he is eager to see how that engine performs!

You're not missing anything on the water right now, anyways.

[PeteV]

Bob, I'm envious that you got the 90 etec.
I very much was hoping to get one but putting an addition on the house has me poor.. I was going back & forth between the 70 & the 90. and if I could have the white 90 etec would have been it.

Congratualtions. I'm very much hoping its the right tool for the Job!

If the dealer was close by I think I would have gone for the Waranty. repair bills seem to add up quick.

[maineguideman]

Bob, what's the word on your Etec. Did the dealer get it in? I ran my yamaha for the first time yesterday. I am eager to here about the performance of that motor. Please give us the skinny when youve had a chance to run it.

[Bob Parsons]

AS of friday 4/23 I have not heard from the dealer. My window of oppurtunity is gone. I have to work the next two weekends. Rest assured the motor will be tested as soon after I get it that I can launch it.

[Doug Jowett]

My E-Tec 75 HP is mounted on my trusty 18' Maritime Skiff. Have not water tested yet, but it starts instantly in the cold weather and seems as quite or maybe quietier than my previous 4-stroke. I will report sometime during the season on performance. It will be in the water on Cape Cod within days. www.gwi.net/~djowett

[Bob Parsons]

The motor is on the boat and sitting in the marina's yard.

But did get a quick test of how it runs with a quick loop around Barnstable Harbor.

Started right up. Low throaty growl with no big smoke cloud. It came up on plane quickly and accerated smoothly. Much quieter than old engine. It will get a good test next weekend.

[mansfieldsign]

Good Luck with it. Sounds like you made a wise choice.

[Bob Parsons]

Took possession of the boat with the new motor this morning. Launched in Barnstable Harbor. Added some gas ($2.56/gal). Did my typical type of day, bouncing around, cruising, wot, trolling. Fuel gauge showed no noticable drop. Maintaince manuel....no break instructions/no 20hr check.
Wot 5200rmp got up to 37.4 mph before I throttled back.
Me, dog, 1/2tank fuel...but it looks like I may have gained 1/2knot of top end speed. Of course the first sand bar I drag the prop through will change that.

[turnstone]

Bob,

I bought the white 90 from Ship Shops in Bass River. Motor was delayed a bit in getting to me, and I'll finally get to grab it on Friday. Owner Marty Taubert has been a real pleasure to work with. I really feel like they are as excited about this new technology as I am and they are committed to making sure I'm happy. So, let's see how everything works out....

To your question:

I chose the extended warranty program. 3 standard upped to 7 seemed to be a significant purchase of "peace of mind" - especially since I/we're "early adopters" of this new technology. That to me seemed a simple choice vs a quick $360.

Marty's crew at Ship Shop took me out in a heavy wooden work skiff with a 40 on it (the morning after our last snowstorm) in mid-March. As it was more an ice/snow storm on the cape, the motor had some ice inside the manifold when it was at the dock (motor was tilted). So, we had difficulty accelerating initially, and we were concerned. After we limped back to the dock, the guy theorized it was simply ice buildup, and after sitting 5 min we were back at it. I was amazed by the pickup and the low noise, and I was sold on the spot. The 40 had the big old heavy skiff on plane in a wink.

Now, I understand that there was some glitch on the software that was discovered recently? Apparently the motor I'll get is a 2005 model. Seems odd to be so "early" but I'll take it!

Anyways, I have complete faith in Marty at Ship Shop, and I think we're all excited to see how this new technology takes hold.

I was very concerned 6 months ago during my research phase on account of the Ficht pbs Evinrude had 10 years ago, and the fact that Bombardier has been sold (again) recently. But, with Bain Capital one of their investors, I think that they have learned their lessons, have persuaded some very critical investors, and are all ready to prove themselves.

So, in summary, I can't wait for Friday, and I'll look fwd to swapping stories with you! Not sure I'll have much boat time this weekend, but soon! Just got a used freezer this am for my upcoming mackerel stash.

[Bob Parsons]

When I launched the boat on sunday. I had some stalling problems when but into gear. If I but it into gear and went to 1000rpms I would get a "check engine" light and the motor would go into rpm limiter mode. Just talked to dealer, Bombardier is sending a part, and I'm hope it will be fixed by friday. I may be saving more gas than I planed, if I'm shore bound.

[turnstone]

Picked up my 90 on Friday at Ship Shops in Yarmouth.

Havent had much time to test it yet, aside from the quick shakedown with the nice guy who rigged it (Alan). Pretty darn zippy and quiet.

There is a pronounced vibration I am trying to understand that occurs at about 1,100 rpm. It goes away at lower speeds and higher speeds. It may just be that it runs differently than my old 1997 Johnson 90. Anyways, the 2 railings on my Montauk are rattling louder than they used to with the Johnson so I'll need to jam toothpicks in them or something.

Does the fact that it is a 3 cyl vs 4 have anything to do with this perceived characteristic?

Anyways, I'm looking fwd to getting traps in this weekend and really puttin it through its paces. Seems like a really great piece of technology. More to come.

Bob, get your rig sorted out yet?

[Bob Parsons]

The Tech and Bombadier are playing phone tag with the tech not making too much of an effort since it was a very busy week with getting other boats ready.Once either a part (fuel pump) is sent or an okay to take it off another motor, it's about a 10 minute fix.

[turnstone]

So, you were without boat last weekend. I'm sorry about that.

Prognosis good for Mem Day Wknd?

[Bob Parsons]

So, you were without boat last weekend. I'm sorry about that.

Prognosis good for Mem Day Wknd?Not really I still had my canoe.(#$119)

[turnstone]

Couldn't resist the flat conditions this am and took the boat for a run.

Still intrigued about the vibration at about 1100 rpm. Here is where I thought it would be super quiet. I can live with the vibration, but I'm sure it can be figured out. Somehow.

Doug or Bob....You haven't noticed this yourselves in the 90?

Other than that, this thing is really something!

[kgrupp]

I'm having two problems with my new 40 ETech and after one week it's in for warranty work. Problem one is a miss between 2500 and 4000 RPM. Runs great at idle and get full 5500 out of it at top end. Second problem is a vapor lock of some kind. About 50% of the time on starting it won't go over 800 RPM until I either open a full line to let air out or squeeze a small vac hose coming out of the rear of the air intake. WEIRD. I repalced all gas lines and check the tank for air, checked the fuel filter, etc.

Great engine, only on in area so far in St.Germain WI, except for the mechanic I took it to who bought one too, thank God. I'm interested in that software update as well as if any one knows where to obtain the software and instructions to program the engine.

[Bob Parsons]

They have finally decided my problems were due to a short circuit somewhere. Bombadier has sent out a complete wiring harness (4hour job) They say that will fix the problem. Had it out saturday, (not fixed) I just have them reset the codes and tried to avoid running the motor in the position (my theory) that triggers the short. Ran all day great, Saturday at Barnstable in the fast current and low tides I had to start the motor while tilted and zap stalled and light came on. By next weekend the fix should be in.

[Doug Jowett]

I have been running my 75 hp E-Tec daily since the first of May - every day without a hitch. All the promises made in the advertised product are just what they said. Amazing and WOW!!! Great motor so far. Gas mileage is by far better than previous 70 hp 4-stroke.

[aqua]

Mr Jowett are you sponsored in any way by evinrude or any dealership. Almost every marine related board is posting issues with the e-tec motors. Nothing wrong with sponsorships but I think board members should be informed at the time of post. Same goes with anyone posting who is getting paid or subsidized in any way for using a product. Only makes posts more credible. What do other folks think?

[Bob Parsons]

Picked up the repaired engine late today. Run it a bit in Barnstable Harbor. No problems, (keeping fingers crossed) The Bombadier rep paid a visit to Milway. He says 75 five etecs have been sold in the northeast and only three have had problems and all the problems are different. No sign of a pattern. To me, that's a good sign.

[aqua]

there have been three on this board alone

[Bob Parsons]

I think it is the same three, the areas the rep mentioned match. You know the old saying...Misery loves company.
At least it ran well this weekend.

[kgrupp]

Well my 40 E-Tech has been in the shop for almost two weeks and they have not even touched it yet. I called Evinrude who said nothing has been posted on my serial number and that this was the first E-Tech problem that advisor had. (Good sign I, guess). I'm going back to the lake in 10 days. If they started today could the parts be there? Should I move it to another shop? I've even thought of trading it in on another as my only alternative so I have a boat when I'm there next week. Or should I just blow my brains out?

Any ideas?

[detra]

Too bad about the etec's. I almost went with an etec for my whaler, but chose the suzuki 70 instead. Sounds like I made a good decision for a change. Hopefully bombardier will iron out these problems.

good luck

[Bob Parsons]

I'm thinking that these are isolated incidents. Just that the motor being new, we that got them are very quick to report problems. If you look over enough boards, you would be hard pressed to find any brand of motor that someone, somewhere doesn't have a problem with.

[DonW]

Hey- The Evenrude name plate will forever be tainted for me- I was one of the first owners of the exploding Ficht in the late 1990's- I guess I should not complain - it ran great most of the time and only blew up twice and cost us a total of four months of fishing over two years- there are too many choices in the market now for us ever to consider an Evenrude (who cares that Bombardier bought them!) again- they (bombardier) seemed to have adopted OMC's penchant for "beta testing" in the market- NFW with my$$$$$ --123-3 --126-3- --126-3- --126-3-

[aqua]

Seems like an isolated problem????? Iam glad I went with a Yammi 115. Mr. Parson is your problem fixed to your satisfaction and have you run the motor much since the repair.

[kgrupp]

Marina says it's fixed. All codes were wrong from factory affecting the oil flow. Going up Friday to take it out. Keep fingers crossed cause I think this is the smartest engine out there today and I want it to work.

[aqua]

Doesnt the local dealer and factory make sure these motors run right before the give them to the consumer. Several years ago I was burned bad by Omc and have no tolerance for crappy dealers or manufactures. Mr Jowetts motor seems like the only one to run right at least locally.

[Bob Parsons]

My motor has been working awesome since the fix. The acceration seems to be much better than the yammi. Starting to put some serious miles on it. As for testing before motor goes out to consumer.... It's one thing to test the motor at the shop with a hose on it and another to test it out on the water. I know one of the times, they thought they had it, They ran it off and on for several hours. My motor apparently was shorting out when it was started in a tilted position. NOt so now--125-3

[kgrupp]

Here's my sorry E-Tech story and it indicates the challeges Evinrude faces in getting this promising technology to the market. I live in the Chicago area and have a lake home in far northern WI. In February I decided to buy an E-Tech for my 16Ft. boat. I wanted something environmentally friendly, and lighter than a 4 stroke. So I contacted 4 Evinrude dealers in WI and NONE, yes NONE of them ever got back to me. I wasn't concerned about price I just wanted to get one. NONE got back to me. I bought one in the Chicago area, bought a winch and dragged it 350 miles north on my trailer in April and installed it myself. Literature says "run it full blast right out of the crate". Dealer I bought it from confirmed that. Of course then I found that my controls wouldn't work, $350, and that it needed the warning system to validate the warranty, $150, but I did it all and then the problems started. It's new technology and worth the effort, but I've had to "fight" with Evinrude all the way to give them my $6000. I would bet the dealers are shy because of the recent problems and company changes, but what the heck there can't be many, if any, customers like me out there willing to support them in spite of themselves. Hope in runs Friday when I pick it up.

[lemaymiami]

I'm currently running a 90 E-Tec and love it! Let me say right off that I'm on Bombardier's guide program, but after some support on the purchase I'm just like any other fellow who needs service that can be relied on -- only a bit more often and with more riding on it than just whether my weekend will be on the water or not... My mechanic installed it at the beginning of February and it's currently at about 250 hours running time. That's a lot more than the average boater would do in a year's time, but it's about par for a working guide here in South Florida. The area that I run in is primarily Everglades National Park and I'm usually a long way from the ramp into the backcountry. My average day on the water will log from 50 to 70 miles on the GPS trip log. The motor is on a custom-rigged Maverick skiff that's around 16 years old and kept in pretty good condition.

Here's my point. No matter how advanced or sophisticated a motor is, it still needs competent service. The manufacturer does their best to see that dealers have that skill in house but ultimately it's the dealer who'll provide the service you need. These new motors require skilled service that's supported by software provided by the manufacturer. Without it, anyone who attempts to service them will be up a creek. Many marinas and dealers have competent mechanics, but not very many of them have been to the factory sponsored schools that are for one brand of motor. The difference between a factory trained tech and other marine mechanics may be critical, particularly for the latest technology. I'd say it's worth a phone call to Bombardier for advice if local dealers weren't interested in handling the E-Tecs. They should be able to direct a buyer to not only a dealer who'll sell the product but one that can provide the maintenance expertise. Any competent service tech would know in advance what upgrades your control system or monitoring systems would need before you purchase a new motor. That's always part of the info I'd need before making a buy since it determines the bottom line. When you find the right service tech give him (or her) the customer loyalty they deserve and you'll be money and time ahead. Don't be surprised if you have to wait in line for outstanding service since a good mechanic (either with a dealership or on their own) will usually have all the business they can handle.

[kgrupp]

Well after sitting at the dealer for the three weeks I was gone I got there to find the battery out, the gas tank out and the motor cover loose. "I got a code 38 says the repairman".....I said hook it up to the car as is, 3 weeks is long enough. I drove it to another dealer who was nice enough to put the PDA on it right away, called Evinrude from the water on his cell phone and found that I didn't have the right spacing on the throttle linkage and since its electonic throttle the computer did not know how to react. This person at Evinrude new immediately what the problem was from one of the PDA readouts. The miss is gone as well as the starting problem. No doubt it was my fault, altho I couldn't find the spacing info in the instructions anywhere. $25 and I was on my way to two weeks of happy boating. The ETec now runs better than I thought it would. Gas mileage is unbelieveable as well as speed and quiet. You guys were right, got to find the right dealer.

[carldodge]

Have an e-tec 90 on a Lund 20 Alaskan, like the motor but seems to idle high (3-4 mph on GPS) to high to trol. Anyone experience similar problem

[Bob Parsons]

My bet is the Alaskan is considerably lighter than the typical fiberglass boat that uses the 90. Thus you go faster at idle. Get a 5 gal. bucket and drag it behind the boat to slow you down.

[carldodge]

My 90 e-tec developed a rough running condition from 2600 - 3700 RPM, runs fine at idle and above 3700 any one else run into problem? Dealer acknowledges problem and is in contact with factory. I know that range was original problem with ficht (?spl) engines I have a 175 one that was lunched reworked and has been working fine.

[carldodge]

My 90 e-tec developed a rough running condition from 2600 - 3700 RPM, runs fine at idle and above 3700 any one else run into problem? Dealer acknowledges problem and is in contact with factory. I know that range was original problem with ficht (?spl) engines I have a 175 one that was lunched reworked and has been working fine.


after original post reviewed past postings and saw kgrupp similar prob. made copy of postings for dealer, hope same problem looks like a simple fix

[carldodge]

Turns out the problem with the rough running btwn 2500 & 4000 RPM was caused by a disloged tension spring, at the base of the carb butterfly shaft. , Evinrude Rep acknowledged a poor design, common occurance when air plenium is pushed into place and working on a fix. Dealer ( Koob Marine in Maine ) & OMC very responsive in fixing the problem. Good dealer is always key to resolving problems.

Motor runnning great, went to a 13 " pitch on prop, dropped 4mph (gps reading) off top end but idle speed also down from 4 mph to 2.5 , more manageable docking speed. RPM at top speed now 5600 RPM (30MPH) dealer ok'd. Fast enough for me. Previous prop 15" pitch gave 34mph at 5200 RPM. Looks like a 14" pitch would be ideal for the boat but no such animal exists as far as I know. 13" pitch will allow me to pull a bunch of grandchildren on tubes when I am not fishing. :)

Incidentally my gps reads 30 while my depth sounder reads 40mph are some of these speeds being touted by boat owners inflated?

[Bob Parsons]

My mechanic was going to change the prop (not sure of size) but saw that it was running at 5200 and that was within acceptable range. Before the prop got polished a bit, when I did get the motor up to 5200, gps speed was a tad over 38.

My now sonar came with a speed senor, I did not bother installing it. Thought it would read speed in relation to water, thus if I was going against the current it would read high and with the current it would read low.

[kgrupp]

Has anyone found a way to use your own PDA to read out and change the computer in the E-Tech? Seems like it would be very handy to just know what has been going on. If you haven't seen the read out it holds a ton of historical information on rpm, temp,etc. There has to be a way, maybe Evinrude even sells the software?

[Bob Parsons]

Based on a comment my mechanic made, it seems to be doable once you download the software. I don't own a PDA so have not looked into it.

[lemaymiami]

I don't know whether or not the software is available to an end user from Bombardier. I do have one concern that you ought to keep in mind if you were ever able to obtain it. What makes these systems work is the software and I would NEVER think of modifying it in any way. If you'll look at the warning labels on the computer pack inside the cowling they're pretty specific. The thought of posssibly having a "Voided Warranty" would keep me up at night.... I may be overly cautious about it but you ought to look into it before things get costly. Good Luck

ps- I have almost 300 hours on my 90 now. It went in service at the end of January.

[kgrupp]

I agree totally that one shouldn't change any of the settings. But the printout provided by the software has some very valuable information on engine temp and RPM history and other stuff that would be be interesting to monitor. If I rented E-Techs I would print it out prior to rental and after to see what kind of abuse the engine encountered. If I had kids, and I don't, I want to check to see that they would be properly treating the engine. Evinrude could really benefit if they put out a consumer version of the software that was "Read Only".

[Doug Jowett]

I used my first E-tec 90 HP as stated earlier for the entire 2005 season without problems - probably 600 -700 hours. Haven't check the hours yet. The motor is all is said to be. The gas savings is substantial. The obvious get-up and go of a 2-stroke is perfect for my 18/ Maritime Skiff. This new Evindrude technology just might set the industry on its heals.

[Bob Parsons]

entire 2005 season without problems - probably 600 -700 hours.

Ok I know this must be a typo but I can't resist. It's January 19,2005 , Even if you started at the stroke of midnight your only be at about 450 hours as of tonight.


Gee Doug that's a lot of hours for a maine season. You taking that rig out for ducks as well?

[Doug Jowett]

Ya maybe typo - did I say 2005 season - should be 2004. You do the math - 120 days minimum on the water with a minimum of 6 hours per day - usually more like 10 or 12 - 7 days a weeks beginning May 1 on Cape Cod and ending October 15 in Maine. I'm a FULL TIME guide putting a motor to the test. I wouldn't run it if it wasn't realiable!!

[Smcdermott]

Doug,

Are you saying that your motor is running almost the entire trip? The reason I ask is that I am considering buying my first boat used and trying to figure out how many hours are typical. I would have assumed it was only 30-50% of the total time on the water and the majority would be spent fishing with the motor off.

Thanks,

Sean

[Doug Jowett]

When I'm guiding I am not fishing - my customers are. The style of fishing we do requires the saftey of the motor running most of the time.

[Bob Parsons]

Doug which oil are you using. Currently I'm using the ram 50. Next season I'm considering trying the full synthetic. Not being a guide and starting back to work in Sept. I only put about 280 hrs. on mine. (I'll have that checked in march) A lot of the cape fishing you can shut down the motor. But if your around rocks with a current or jetties, or power drifting a rip, the motor is left running. I suspect Maine has a lot of that.

[Doug Jowett]

I'm using Evinrude/Johnson XD 100 Synthetic Formula oil - that's what's recommended - that's what I use.

[Bob Parsons]

Interesting, my mech reccommended the 50 but also reccommended that I switch over to the 100 come colder weather. I did find in the manual where it says fishing use the 50 and if your running about recreationally use the 100. Any idea how many hours you get from a gallon?

[Doug Jowett]

Last year was COLD all summer!!! (#$122)

[Barry Winsor]

I was wondering if anyone has had an issue with a 75hp E-TEC 2004 Model were there is excessive smoking at 2500rpm to 3500 rpm aswell as a misfire....we have had the injectors pressure tested as well as an update map installed onto it and an adjustment on the front manifold that closes the butterflies......a spring was tensioned...
Please help if anyone has any ideas on what too check....thanx barry

[Backfire]

Here is a 75 E-TEC owner, talking about his.
http://bbcboards.zeroforum.com/zerothread?id=30015
Backfire ;)