Is The E-TEC The Best Motor For Our Boats?

[Boblee]

Have just had my E-tec in for another check due to an intermittent miss at about 2000rpm, this has been an ongoing thing since new and while I am not complaining as each time it goes in the computor is updated and it gets a service under warranty.
The last visit has resulted in two new injectors and spark plugs etc, the only thing that I can ascertain is that as I am being told that there has been a few cases of these motors doing this when they are run at consistently low revs 1500-2000 which is about my favourite or normal range, maybe they aren't suitable.
I am told the new spark plugs and the injector deflectors are meant to help this but apparently there was a fair bit of carbon around the injector tips.
I don't know about anyone else but my boat rarely sees WOT and even then only for short bursts, maybe we are better off with a wimp motor or maybe another brand/type.
Have always thought it would be good to have a bigger motor on for that theoretical time when it's needed to get under cover but after 220 hrs it hasn't happened yet.

[pokerrick1]

You just need to get out more and go more places at WOT

I'm the same, my 60 E-Tec normally operates between 1,000 and 2,500 RPM, and I have had zero problem with mine and I don't open it up that often. I regularly see about ten other owners with E-Tecs and no one has any complaints - - - all of us who have them here think it is the right engine.

Rick

[Mistral]

My E-Tec has not given me any problems sofar. Last weekend I went full bore with rudders and keel up, scaring fishermen on PPB. They wondered what this "speed boat" with a big mast was doing. It certainly helped the engine though.

[Boblee]

Maybe it is just this one but it has had the "miss" since new or at least after the first few hrs.
Have never felt the motor would let me down but if running for a few hr's at 2000 rpm it certainly is noticeable.
Will just have to wait and see how it goes now that the new injectors are in, the dealer thinks it sounds better, but reckons it should be given WOT more regular like every couple of hours.
We have problems in the Murray with the Malibu wakeboarders and at about 4000 rpm it certainly gives them a scare as it make a fair wave when the ballast is in

[delevi]

Mine has been trouble free, however, I only operate at lower RPMs when it's really rough or heading in/out of the marina or raising the mainsail. Otherwise, I'm between 3/4 and WOT.

Leon

[David Mellon]

My ETEC is also worry free. I do run it at low RPM in the harbor of course but I regularly use it at WOT on trips to Catalina or if the air is dead. I use the XD-100 oil, about $25 worth per year. I pay $31 for a half gallon jug at my local dealer. Do you use that recomended oil or a lower grade? I wonder how important the right oil is, I tend to go by the book with my engines and seem to get great longevity. My '78 Tanaka 3.5 outboard starts on the first pull and my V8s usually get 350k before I trade up to a new vehicle.

[Kelly Hanson East]

The ETECs are great engines, I think you have a 'unit' problem, not a 'design' problem. To answer your question, any reputable engine (short list Evinrude, Honda, Mercury, Nissan, Yamaha) will work well - I recommend fuel injection in either 2 stroke or 4 stroke to my customers.

[Boblee]

Yeah David I use the good oil and still haven't used my first gallon yet after 220 hours, picked the boat up today and they reckon there is a big improvement but they only had it running on the trailer at the ramp (back pressure?) but apparently there was a fair bit of carbon build up on the old tips.
Really didn't think the amount of low revs 2000 should have hurt it as it had a fair bit of higher revs mixed in but not much WOT as I can't see the point in wasting fuel especially when it is not readily available in many locations we visit.
Will be interesting to see how it goes this year but by the time I get home it will be out of warranty and unless we get to Darwin there won't be any dealers en route either.

[TheDart]

I may be barking up the wrong tree, but I have a 115hp 2007 etech on a 6m 'stink' boat (for fishing) and have been told that the injection pattern changes between 2000-2500rpm. When trawling at low revs, the injection pattern can sometimes fluctuate as the boat surges through wave action. The sound is a little strange, but when I raised it with the agent he told me it was nothing to worry about as it was normal. They sell a few around here so I think I believe him. But I'm not how the smaller models run.

[Boblee]

The changing of the injection was the original theory but when they checked it that apparently wasn't the cause? anyway it has now been thoroughly checked out again and has new injectors and spark plugs under warranty so I'm certainly not complaining and just bought my second gallon of oil and will now give it a rev more regularly.