Etec, Vtec, SOHC, DOHC, Electronic Fuel Injection

dtol

Etec, Vtec, SOHC, DOHC, Electronic Fuel Injection

Most of this is confusing the heck out of me. I am trying to find out if there is any clear advantage held by either Honda, Suzuki, or Yamaha, and if they all have equivilent technology.

I know that Vtec (different cam lobes for different RPM ranges) and Lean Burn (O2 Sensor and management of air fuel mix) are Honda terms for those technologies. Does Suzuki and Yamaha have them as well?

It seems that they all have electronic fuel injection rather than carboration now. Honda claims a 20% fuel savings with their technology, so, do the others match that as well?

Sea Wolf · Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 8:29 pm Post subject:

dtol-

Lots'a terms here, but I'll try to be as objective as possible:

Etec: Evinrude's (BRP/Bombardier Recreational Products) term for their high presssure, direct injected, 2-cycle engines. Almost as light as the older 2-cycle engines, and very clean burning. Real rival to 4-stroke engine technology. Lots of controversial jawing going on in the discussion boards around, but pretty darn good motors, really. I'd buy one myself.

Vtec: Honda's term for Variable Valve Timing designed to develop more HP at high rpm's (longer valve duration, I think). Nice idea, but the rpm range at which they Vtec kicks in is higher than I like to operate an engine at continuously.

SOHC: Single overhead camshaft- One single camshaft placed over the valves and cylinderhead, operating the valve train. Nice, but not as nifty as DOHC.

DOHC: Dual overhead camshafts- Two instead of one on the above scheme. A little more logical arrangement than the SOHC, and capable of operating at higher rpm ranges. Probably either the SOHC or DOHC is fully adequate in 5000-6000 rpm outboard engines, however.

Electronic Fuel Injection: High presssure fuel injection nozzels shooting fuel into individual induction ports and timed by electronic pulses from a engine controlling computer or ECM (Electronic Control Module) that can save a lot of fuel by injecting the precise amounts of gas needed for complete fuel burning.

Carburetors will be found only on small outboards from now on, period.(IMHO) The reason (among others): the manufactuers can't meet the EPA requiements W/O it!

After much discussion and soul searching, the general conclusion is that most any of the modern engines have very reliable performance, and are good buys.*

Takes some time to get familiar with all this engine/tech talk. But fun along the way! Read the articles in the Library part of the Forums list about engine choice to learn more!

* "The World According to Dusty", vol. IV, quote 237.

Joe.

Papillon · Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 9:06 pm Post subject:

Sea Wolf · Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 9:27 pm Post subject:

Maybe so, but 20% fuel savings overall?

That's impossible with today's technology, which puts manufatuers on a pretty much even level so that there should only be a few % difference between makes of motors.

What would you say if a pickup truck manufacturer said their new truck used 20% less fuel than the competition?

I'd say prove to me you have an absolute revolutionary development that allows this 20% savings.

The commercial trucking companies would be very interested, as well.

BS is BS, even from an outboard manufacturer or their advertising company!

Not convinced on Shasta Lake.

Joe.

starcrafttom · Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 10:59 pm Post subject:

I have to clarify a few things here, Hondas , until this month, have all been carbureted and meet or exceed the epa guide lines. Any modern 4-stroke carbureted engine will. The new this month honda will finally have fuel injection. The 20% savings is over their carbureted engine, which gets great fuel economy all ready. So I get 140 miles out of a 40 gallon tank at 18 to 20 mph on a nice day. A 20 % increase will give me a extra 28 miles in range. I will have to put more hours on the honda 90 now to wear it out and get a new one. The new honda will be lighter and smaller in size then the current honda.

The Etec by evenrude is a 2-stoke that bets the EPA and ca. four star ratings and can by used in anywaters. It also is a really neat motor that does not have a break in period. less weight, more power off the stop and no oil changes. I suggest reading up on this engine if you are looking. It would be my first choice if I was looking now, the new honda would be my second.

TyBoo · Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 11:06 pm Post subject:

Grumpy Man · Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 11:13 pm Post subject:

Well I will throw my hat into the ring too.
I installed a 115 E-tek in June of this year and have 196 hours on it now with no problems and it performs as they claim. It replaced a 130 Honda that I had no problems with.
Stats
E-tek Honda
385 # 501#

4000 rpm
5.0 gph 4.8 gph
20.2k 19.5k

4200
5.5gph 5.5gph
22k 21k

4500
6.5gph 8.5gph
24.5k 23.5k

5000
7.5gph 10.5gph
27.0k 26k

Top Speed
5750 5600
10.5gph 11.5gph
32k 30.5k

Both engines were run with 4 blade stainless steel props.

We have 10 40hp Hondas on guest boats at the lodge (Buck's Trophy Lodge) that were retired this year, 6 years old, with over 5000 hrs on them and have had only minor problem with them. They only know of two modes of operation, idle for trolling and wide open to get to the fishing holes.

What will I buy next? dontno.

Don,

Sass Sea Lady

tpbrady · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 1:08 am Post subject:

Don,

What kind of boat is that on?

starcrafttom · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:20 am Post subject:

if it was on a 22fter it would have gone faster then 32mph! those are great numbers. I really like the lighter weight and more speed out of a smaller engine.

Chester · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:45 am Post subject:

One thing to consider is alternator output. My Honda 40's only put out 10 amps, the Mercury 40 is rated at 18 amps, and the E-TEK 40 puts out even more.
If I install radar the Honda's may come up short.

Grumpy Man · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 11:14 am Post subject:

tpbrady wrote:

Don,

What kind of boat is that on?

It is a 589 Stabi-Craft, aluminum hull built in New Zealand, about 21' long with the outboard bracket. They are pontoon style boat resembling a RIB.
Hull speed is about 28k and after that it just burns more fuel. The 9.9 Honda kicker will push it about 5k. I don't have an accrete weight yet, but I guessing it to weigh in around 3000# based on hull weigh + motors and gear.

This is a great fishing boat, but lacks a creature comforts so the feminie one wants a larger one ( something itis ) like a TomCat.

Don

Sass Sea Lady

Sea Wolf · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 11:43 am Post subject:

Grumpy- Is this similar to your Stabi-Craft 589?

Joe.

Grumpy Man · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 12:20 pm Post subject:

Sea Wolf:

Yup, ours is tan and burgundy

Don