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ETEC 90 review
- Thread starter BrentB
- Start date
DrewbirdII
New member
Yes a nice motor indeed, I was considering re-powering with E-TEC, but the price scared me away. The Mercury CT was 30 lbs lighter, still a four stroke and larger displacement with a five year warranty. What really sold me was self maintenance until 300hrs (fluid changes every 100 hrs)." Thats 5 litres of oil and gear lube." Time will tell if I made the right decision.
Jim.
Jim.
cmetzenberg
New member
I put a 90hp etec on my whaler. Asides from a power head failure (that evinrude covered) it was an amazing engine.
I often wonder if the Etec's being 2 strokes have and even hp and torque curve. I always thought that C-Dory's seemed to be a better match for a four stroke engine. I bought our current boat that was originally equipped with an Etec and I had the dealer change it to a Yamaha four stroke. I have heard dealers refer to Etec's as like a race motor. They also have an exhaust tone that some find annoying. I've owned two strokes on fishing boats three Johnsons 200hp, 55hp, 75hp, and a Yamaha Saltwater 115 hp and liked the way they performed. If I was to buy a new center console or flats boat I would definitely consider an Etec. As speeds are changed a lot and throttle response is more important since there is less running at a constant speed with a fishing boat in my world anyway. Just my opinion here as I don't want to rile up any current Etec owners. I don't feel that they are bad engines.
D.D.
D.D.
I don't know if there is a down side except one poster said one broke but got replaced under warranty. I think all of the newer engines are good. It boils down to what kind of use and personal preference. I would bet the service after three years might be expensive but I really don't know. Another poster mentioned cost to be higher. Most important for me is who is your closest (with in reason) responsible dealer and what do they handle / service the brand you are looking at buying? Just my opinion.
D.D.
D.D.
BrentB":23szk6sv said:http://www.boattest.com/engine-review/Evinrude/18500074_E-TEC-90-H-O-_2014#BoatsTested
Reliability, weight, fuel economy and cost going to an E-TEC are no doubt big deciding factors.
However, the noise factor "decibel rated" would also be a big factor for me.
Subjective noise reports mean little to me as, unless there is a huge noticeable difference - which there probably isn't, then only proper decibel ratings should be taken as gospel.
Then a graphed analyzes of fuel consumption for say a Honda 90 and the 90 E-TEC
Then for me I have a comparative concept forming.
DrewbirdII
New member
Jake said:So a review/advertisement is going to point out all of the advantages and pluses. What would you say are the major disadvantages or deal killers of an etec compared to a four stroke?
I don't think there are major disadvantages for the E-tec's 90hp H O. The larger gear case and prop make up for the extra weight of the engine compared to a conventional 90hp four stroke. The oil consumption is probably what makes most people concerned. Four strokes change their oil once or twice a year, then recycle it. ( Hopefully) Two strokes burn 4 or 5 gals of oil each year and exhaust it into the water. But then we all burn fuel don't we?
Jim.
Jake":2inwvbsz said:So a review/advertisement is going to point out all of the advantages and pluses. What would you say are the major disadvantages or deal killers of an etec compared to a four stroke?
Jake
ETEC = Not worth a S--T in 30-45deg water :wink:
Posted by an owner in another forum.....I don't even think about this in the Puget sound but we do boat in some cold weather occasionally.
"Are you using the Evinrude XD-100 synthetic oil in it as that is required when running in freezing temperatures?
Is the thermostat working to keep the motor about 140-160° at idle?
The fuel pressures should also be checked and recorded while the motor is not running right.
All 3 items are very important to making the E-TEC run correctly in cold climates."
Greg
"Are you using the Evinrude XD-100 synthetic oil in it as that is required when running in freezing temperatures?
Is the thermostat working to keep the motor about 140-160° at idle?
The fuel pressures should also be checked and recorded while the motor is not running right.
All 3 items are very important to making the E-TEC run correctly in cold climates."
Greg
Well... I go out all winter long here in Portland with water temps in the low 40's. My ETEC 115 circa 2007 with 750 hrs has never missed a beat.
Let's face it, you can find a sad story with any brand but that shouldn't condemn the brand. From what I've read, BRP has been very good handling warranty claims though I've never had to make one.
I'd like to hear from MattG at Kitsap Marina wrt service costs but as I recall my last 300 hr service was not shockingly high (don't have the numbers readily available).
So that's my first hand experience, not hearsay.
Let's face it, you can find a sad story with any brand but that shouldn't condemn the brand. From what I've read, BRP has been very good handling warranty claims though I've never had to make one.
I'd like to hear from MattG at Kitsap Marina wrt service costs but as I recall my last 300 hr service was not shockingly high (don't have the numbers readily available).
So that's my first hand experience, not hearsay.
According to other boat forums, the early Etec had very cold water operation issues as the ECM would give a low oil alarm and the engine would go to idle limp home mode. This was rectified according to Evinrude (software fix) so shouldn't be an issue anymore.
The engine sound has not been pleasant on the Etecs I've heard but hey I wear hearing aids....so?
George
The engine sound has not been pleasant on the Etecs I've heard but hey I wear hearing aids....so?
George
There is no perfect boat or perfect powering of it.
You choose the features you like, that apply best to
your anticipated use and go with it.
It's more a matter of taste than analysis.
If you're lucky, you won't change your mind shortly
after your purchase.
That's the best you can do.
And I understand the pre-purchase looking and gum flapping.
Most likely this will be more fun than after you own it.
Aye.
PS: Boat show today down here in Orange Beach, AL (The Wharf).
I think I'll have a look around...
You choose the features you like, that apply best to
your anticipated use and go with it.
It's more a matter of taste than analysis.
If you're lucky, you won't change your mind shortly
after your purchase.
That's the best you can do.
And I understand the pre-purchase looking and gum flapping.
Most likely this will be more fun than after you own it.
Aye.
PS: Boat show today down here in Orange Beach, AL (The Wharf).
I think I'll have a look around...
Foggy":1z5e1e18 said:There is no perfect boat or perfect powering of it.
You choose the features you like, that apply best to
your anticipated use and go with it.
It's more a matter of taste than analysis.
If you're lucky, you won't change your mind shortly
after your purchase.
That's the best you can do.
And I understand the pre-purchase looking and gum flapping.
Most likely this will be more fun than after you own it.
Aye. <some omitted>
Foggy: Great Insight and Advice!
The first paragraph or both could well be used as a disclaimer at the top of our (or any) Boats For Sale Listings, but why put a damper on the fun! :wink
Enjoy the boat show!
Joe. :teeth :thup
Having had one of the original ETEC 90s on a 22 in 2005, I would think they have corrected many of the problems I encountered. There seem to have been some design changes that will help make maintenance easier, but the key thing with the ETEC seems to be cooling management. I would opt for the digital interface so I could closely monitor engine cooling. The average operating temp of my motor over 300 hours was 87 degrees. The motor never warmed up even though it had been repaired several times. Some other items I would ask of the dealer:
a. Is it NMEA 2000 compliant? This would allow you to monitor the engine on most MFD's/Chartplotters.
b. Do the spark plugs require registration when they are installed? This was a big deal on early ETECs as the spark plug electrode had to be pointing a certain way when they were properly torqued. I used to have to buy 6 to get 3 that would work.
c. The maintenance interval on the lower unit was because of the type of oil used. It apparently was good at dispersing small amounts of water that might get into the case. There is no reason why you can't change the lower unit oil once a year. It's not that hard to do. If I had any prop strikes I would always inspect the lower unit oil.
d. Exhaust harmonics. I don't remember exactly the rpm, but there was one setting on the 22 that you didn't want to cruise at. The harmonic from the exhaust echoing in the cabin was terrible.
e. Two stroke oil. The XD100 synthetic is north of $35 a gallon. I think the operating economics of the ETEC is still higher than the comparable 4 stoke, especially if you do your own maintenance. I haven't seen any data on oil consumption on the ETEC 90 HO, but I would get some field reports on oil consumption before making a decision to buy one.
Tom
a. Is it NMEA 2000 compliant? This would allow you to monitor the engine on most MFD's/Chartplotters.
b. Do the spark plugs require registration when they are installed? This was a big deal on early ETECs as the spark plug electrode had to be pointing a certain way when they were properly torqued. I used to have to buy 6 to get 3 that would work.
c. The maintenance interval on the lower unit was because of the type of oil used. It apparently was good at dispersing small amounts of water that might get into the case. There is no reason why you can't change the lower unit oil once a year. It's not that hard to do. If I had any prop strikes I would always inspect the lower unit oil.
d. Exhaust harmonics. I don't remember exactly the rpm, but there was one setting on the 22 that you didn't want to cruise at. The harmonic from the exhaust echoing in the cabin was terrible.
e. Two stroke oil. The XD100 synthetic is north of $35 a gallon. I think the operating economics of the ETEC is still higher than the comparable 4 stoke, especially if you do your own maintenance. I haven't seen any data on oil consumption on the ETEC 90 HO, but I would get some field reports on oil consumption before making a decision to buy one.
Tom
Just got done with Wharf Show in Orange Beach. Lots of work left to do, not really done . Sorry we didn't see you Bob .We just finished Mobile and Orange Beach back to back . A few weeks off [from shows] and down to Sarasota .
To address the E Tecs ,we don't handle them [did in the past], but service is the big deal , not too many places here to get service .A small dealer cant afford to do service on the engines that require "no service" cause its a crisis every time.There is a lot of expensive training and tools for the motors that don't break or need service .They are expensive as well [gotta pay for those great commercials somehow] .I am not a fan of super proprietary brands. I can put Honda oil in my 4 stroke Yamaha or Suzuki and it will work fine and not void warranty or need a dealer that is held hostage by BRP to get the current software to reprogram the engine just to run a different oil . Also no need to make a style statement that I can see.
Dave made a great point about power delivery . A 4 stroke is much more civilized, controllable and appropriate for a C Dory .
Yes, E Tecs are fast .
Not trying to start a war , if it starts and runs everyday its a good motor . If you like it and it treats you well ,buy it !
But every boat show I go to is a sea of silver cowlings......
Marc
To address the E Tecs ,we don't handle them [did in the past], but service is the big deal , not too many places here to get service .A small dealer cant afford to do service on the engines that require "no service" cause its a crisis every time.There is a lot of expensive training and tools for the motors that don't break or need service .They are expensive as well [gotta pay for those great commercials somehow] .I am not a fan of super proprietary brands. I can put Honda oil in my 4 stroke Yamaha or Suzuki and it will work fine and not void warranty or need a dealer that is held hostage by BRP to get the current software to reprogram the engine just to run a different oil . Also no need to make a style statement that I can see.
Dave made a great point about power delivery . A 4 stroke is much more civilized, controllable and appropriate for a C Dory .
Yes, E Tecs are fast .
Not trying to start a war , if it starts and runs everyday its a good motor . If you like it and it treats you well ,buy it !
But every boat show I go to is a sea of silver cowlings......
Marc
Marc and others make a very good point regarding service. It's fun to compare various brands and types but in real life, service matters. Around where we boat, if you don't have a Mercury, you're gonna be looking a while for service. And for people like me who don't do more than the very basics, that's critical.
Jake
Jake