E-Tec vs 4 Stroke

rcwass · Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 4:53 pm Post subject: E-Tec vs 4 Stroke

Here we go again. I'm looking at a 90HP Evinrude E-Tec Outboard. I've priced all brands of 4 strokes as well as the E-Tec. I'm told, by the dealer, that the E-Tec 90HP will bolt to the same hole pattern as my current 1990 Johnson 70HP and will use the same controls. C-Dory Customer Service recommended I go with the Evinrude E-Tec 90HP to re-power my 22' 1990 C-Dory Cruiser. My 1990 transom is rated for 90HP max and the weight difference between the E-Tec and 4 Strokes sames to be quite equal. My 1990 Johnson 2 Stroke weighs in at 250 Pounds. Again, I'm looking at 90HP vs 90HP. Maintenance on the E-Tec is advertised as " much less", 3 years for the E-Tec vs annual or less for the 4 Strokes. Any expertise would be appreciated. Thank You.
Dick

Sawdust · Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 6:40 pm Post subject:

I really like my E-tec 90s. Had one on a 22 CD and have one on a 19' aluminum boat. About 60# or so lighter than a typical 90 4-stroke. I've had NO problems of any kind. The 7 year warranty is a plus, and in my case, not having to pull the boat every year for service is a huge factor.

Economy is very similar to my 90 Honda (and present 100 Yamaha), except one filling of oil lasts me about 100 hours and NO oil changes required.

It doesn't seem noisier to me than the Honda or Yamaha -- just a little different sound. Absolutely NO smoke at idle, and you can troll all day. Tom, in AK, has had some cold water problems with his E-Tec, and don't know whether or not he got them solved. HTH,

Dusty

Sea Wolf · Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 7:52 pm Post subject:

Dick-

The difference in sound is usually attributed to the number of "putts" at any given rpm. The 2 cycle, 3 cylinder E-Tech produces three power strokes per revolution.

The four cycle, four cylinder engines produce 2 power strokes per revolution.

The result is that at any given speed, the four strokes seem to be running at about 2/3 rds the speed of the E-Tech.

Only a few people find this extra "puttering around" bothersome, but certainly not Dusty, to which it has become a Way of Life.

Dusty- (My Coumadin Cousin)

Did you ever catch up with your wife? I remembered that you pointed out to me (jokingly) that she was older than you at the SBS/SBC!

I think in all honesty that you are both very young for your age, or vintage, if that term fits better!

Joe.

DodgeRam · Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 7:53 pm Post subject:

I dusty I think you would make a good choice by going with E-TEC , I follow the development of E-TEC since there first introduction at the Miami boat show in 2003. When I bought my 2005 C-Dory where I live, I did not have a choice of a dealer , and Yamaha is what he is selling! I really like my new 2005 engines, with 17 amps of charging for each alternator it is pretty nice! They strart every time on the first turn of the key no matter the temperature that is a bonus. But if I had to do it all over again I would get E-TEC , pretty hard to beat 7year warranty , no service needed for first 3 year , no smoke , and just as quiet as a 4 stroke if not quieter , and you got to admit the look pretty darn good!

Gary SEARAM

Adeline · Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 7:57 pm Post subject:

I too really like the E-Tecs and may go that way when I repower Adeline. However, I'm trying to weigh the purchase price-vs-fuel efficiency equation. For example, I could rebuild or replace the powerhead on my Johnson 70 for < $2500. The difference between $2500 and a new Etec would buy alot of gas. Another option is the Yamaha 90 2-stroke. Still much cheaper(and lighter) than an Etec but needs gauges, control box and re-rig. Great motor @ 260 #s. Thankfully my Johnson still runs great so I can watch others wrestle with the issue and learn from their experiences. Hopefully, when I HAVE to make the call the answer will be clear.

Byrdman · Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 8:29 pm Post subject:

I'd follow Dusty anywhere... Thumbs Up

Sawdust · Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 10:51 pm Post subject:

Hey Pat,

where you be, guy? Northwest or down cookin'/smoking ribs 'n' stuff?

Dusty

Byrdman · Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 10:57 pm Post subject:

Hey Dusty!! Down here in my own house for a change...getting ready to go load some plants and stuff for Bonnie Plant Farm and go do a little....or a lot for me.... mmmmaaa .......mmmaaa ,......manual labor.

Wow...that is even hard for me to say. Thank God for Motrin 800's and driving back home in the dark where they can't see ya cry... Cry

Gotta raise some funds for my boy toys.

tpbrady · Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 11:01 pm Post subject:

Dick,

I still have some cold temperature issues with the 90 ETEC that haven't been resolved. First, the standard XD100 oil at temperatures less than 50 degrees is to viscous to properly flow through the oil injection system or be detected by the sensors resulting in a "no oil alarm". The first fix from BRP that worked was using the SkiDoo XPS100 oil. BRP has since come up with a new version of software the should help and plans to come up with a new blend of XD-100 called extreme for use in cold climates. I suspect it won't be much different than XPS100.

The second problem is the operating temperature of the engine. In cold air and cold water, the engine never reaches the proper operating temperature and seems to operate with retarded timing and increased oil injection. The net result of a 20 to 30% delcine in fuel economy and oil consumption roughly 2 to 2.5 times as much as Dusty.

That said, even with the engine operating the way it does now, I get about 3.7 statute miles per gal at best cruise (strangely in calm water that is at wide open throttle further indicating the engine hasn't heated up) and about 30 hours out of a tank of oil.

I do recall one day, after the dealer had replaced the thermostat, when the sun was out and winds calm and temperature near 70 degrees, I stayed away from the glaciers in the warmer water. The engine sounded completely different (quieter) and the fuel economy jumped to 4.8 to 5.0 statute miles per gallon at either 14, 18, and 22 mph and declined slightly at higher speeds.

Would I buy an ETEC again. Probably, but I would question the dealer and BRP about when they will introduce a higher temperature thermostat for the northern latitudes. When I last checked they say they are considering it.

Sawdust · Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2006 11:14 pm Post subject:

WorK?? Hate that 4-letter word. Rather sit 'n' rock like cuz Joe... or fishin'.

You sure haven't missed much boating up this-a-way -- had gusts to 70 a couple of days ago. Logs floating on the road in front of EQ - and water right up the the concrete entrance. And goons coming by in their 4x4's throwing water all over the boats, cars, building, etc. Wheeeeee. Salt water!! At least they will suffer unless they get a good fresh water bath.

Fuzz came by and blocked the road after a call, so all worked out okay, but sure hope the fenders, wheels, etc. fall off those goons!!! Me? Mild old Dusty?

Miss you, and don't push too hard -- like a fine engine, just break the bod in easy.

Joe - yep, did find her - and she's finally cooking food for me again Laughing

-- shux we've been married danged near 55 years, so she puts up with the old guy pretty well!! Cool chick, huh?

Best,

Dusty

Sawdust · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 12:25 am Post subject:

Tom,

Sorry you are still having trouble. I can't complain because I'm getting 80-85 hours on an oil fill before the light comes on, and average about 4.5 NMPG. Way cool! Guess it's a temperature problem, and hope they solve it for you. All of the E-tec skippers in the area that I've talked to are in love!!

Bought a used 22 with a 100 Yamaha 4-stroke. Works great tool IMO they are all okay. Competition forces them all keep up with the others. Good for us!!

Best,

Dusty

seahorse · Joined: 07 Feb 2006 Posts: 7

[quote="tpbrady"]Dick,

I still have some cold temperature issues with the 90 ETEC that haven't been resolved. First, the standard XD100 oil at temperatures less than 50 degrees is to viscous to properly flow through the oil injection system or be detected by the sensors resulting in a "no oil alarm". [/quote]

There have been some changes and software improvements to help the early models with cold weather operation. If you could post the serial number I can check if any updates have been performed.

Did the dealer ever give you a printout of the computer report from the motor?

tpbrady · Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 1:30 am Post subject:

Seahorse,

I have a long file at BRP and at the dealer. I do need the latest software update. We'll see what that does. The last engine readings showed the engine operating temperature about 20 degrees below optimum. That was after running in water that was about 40 degrees for most of the day.

seahorse · Joined: 07 Feb 2006 Posts: 7

On that computer readout showing the low operating temperature, what is the software number and version?

Since you are still getting low temps even after a new thermostat, has the dealer taken apart the pressure relief valve to check for internal leakage or debris holding the valve open slightly?

Email me the serial number and I can check things out for you.

seahorse5@hotmail.com

seahorse · Joined: 07 Feb 2006 Posts: 7

[quote="tpbrady"]Seahorse,

I have a long file at BRP and at the dealer. I do need the latest software update. We'll see what that does. The last engine readings showed the engine operating temperature about 20 degrees below optimum. .[/quote]

According to your motor's history, there are only 2 warranty claims filed with the factory since the motor was new.

Like I mentioned in an earlier post, the cooling system, especially the pressure relief valve, should be inspected to allow the motor to warm up correctly. Is there another dealer you can take it to?

Be sure the latest software is installed. How come the dealer hasn't done that yet since you mentioned that had not been put in?

The computer printout of the motor from a laptop includes a bar graph with the temp at differnent rpms and time. Did you get a copy of that to see how your motor was operating?