New ETECs....how to prevent problems

Will75 · 31 January 2013, 07:01

So, we have two new ETEC 150s going on our A22 in next few weeks. These are obviously very nice machines but it does sound as though there are known potential problems with them? I wonder if those with ETEC experience could give the benefit of their experience to help us avoid or spot a problem developing. Thanks to all in advance.

willk · 31 January 2013, 08:49

Personal Experience: Buy the Diagnostic Cable and, um, ask around for the Diagnostics Software

. Use it. Monitor the various histories. The EMMs are water cooled and if the pipes get blocked then they will overheat and die. A gradual rise in operating temperature might warn of this? I lost both of mine, I think from something that happened before I bought them. Learn how to "index" a spark plug and keep an eye on yours from 50 hours onward - a lot of Etec issues seem to be solved by plug changes

General Chit-chat: The injectors really don't like water in the fuel - so fit a pair of decent bowls and check them before use.

HTH

Will75 · 31 January 2013, 09:06

Thanks Willk

Very useful info, much appreciated. The cable and software seem to be readily available in the US - is it as straightforward as ordering from the states and plugging in?

Cheers

Will

willk · 31 January 2013, 11:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will75

The cable and software seem to be readily available in the US - is it as straightforward as ordering from the states and plugging in?

Yup. The cables used to be RS232 terminated? and if this still the case then you'll need a USB adapter too (£3 on the bay) unless yer laptop is from the Ark.

The software you'll need a friendly RIBnetter for...

gotchiguy · 31 January 2013, 13:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Yup. The cables used to be RS232 terminated? and if this still the case then you'll need a USB adapter too (£3 on the bay) unless yer laptop is from the Ark.

The software you'll need a friendly RIBnetter for...

Make sure that you get the right adapter though if you have Windows 7, they don't all work!

Make sure you use the right oil, there are two settings - low and normal which can be set through the diagnostic software. Low means you must use Evinrude own brand XD100, normal means you can use any TCW3 oil. In the long run most people seem to go for the low consumption, it seems to balance out the extra cost of the oil.

If you are fitting new then the ICON system is very very good giving you fly by wire throttle, and this system now comes with a new set of analogue gauges which are much more traditional in appearance than the iCommand digital gauges but they have just the same number of features I believe.

They are great engines, and on ribs the non-HO version is very hard to beat!

Evinrude E-TEC 150 HP Challenges (Full Version) - YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gHB_vEL_es

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YenNAD-u23Q

Crusher · 31 January 2013, 14:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will75

So, we have two new ETEC 150s going on ..........to help us avoid or spot a problem developing. Thanks to all in advance.

Fit a Suzy ?

matt h · 31 January 2013, 14:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crusher

Fit a Suzy ?

Yep. Buy another manufacturer at least that way you dont have to keep a laptop on board to keep it running!!

Bit late in your case but good luck with your new purchase!

Chris · 31 January 2013, 17:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crusher

Fit a Suzy ?

What a pointless, stupid comment.

E-tecs are great engines and will out perform a "Suzy" any day.

Will75, if you want advice on how to look after your new engines then I would go here.

Owners Message Board

You will find plenty of valuable advice from people that know what they are talking about.

Enjoy your new purchases, I am very jealous...

Crusher · 31 January 2013, 17:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

What a pointless, stupid comment.

E-tecs are great engines and will out perform a "Suzy" any day.

Will75, if you want advice on how to look after your new engines then I would go here.

Owners Message Board

You will find plenty of valuable advice from people that know what they are talking about.

Enjoy your new purchases, I am very jealous...

Question wasn't about performance....it was about avoiding problems........

And it was only a tongue in check comment so don't get upset. It was meant as a funny, life's too short, don't stress.

Ian M · 31 January 2013, 17:29

Am I that rare - a satisfied e-tec owner

One tip that I was given by someone who should know. He did not give me figures for TCW3 oil, but for XD100 add 0.2% to the fuel. The injectors are susceptible to moisture, adding the oil prevents any problems. No liability can be accepted for any of the above

GJ0KYZ · 31 January 2013, 17:36

I've had my 225 ETec for five years and in all that time have only had to replace one fuel injector and one oil sender sensor. Both items were replaced under guarantee. I'd recommend XD100 oil, the software is used to switch the engine between oil types.

gotchiguy · 31 January 2013, 19:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by GJ0KYZ

I've had my 225 ETec for five years and in all that time have only had to replace one fuel injector and one oil sender sensor. Both items were replaced under guarantee. I'd recommend XD100 oil, the software is used to switch the engine between oil types.

And a couple of gearboxes

Pikey Dave · 31 January 2013, 19:59

Make sure you have solid battery connections & no cheap or dodgy battery changeover switches. Use nyloc nuts on the battery clamps NOT wingnuts. The comments about the laptop & software are valid (or at least the positive comments are) It allows you to "see" into the engine in the comfort of you own home, drive ,shed. You can read/reset faults, adjust various settings etc. I use xd100 with the engines set to xd100, for ultimate protection you can use xd100 on the tcw3 setting. For the amount of oil the engines will use, this will make bugger all difference. The diagnostic cable is easy to make if you know your way around a soldering iron & ebay. The engines are no more susceptible to water in the fuel than any other, show me an engine that will run on water & I'll buy one. Fit good water separators (Racor) & keep the tanks full. I use Evinrude 4+1 fuel conditioner & have never had a problem.
Above all, enjoy the engines, they are the Tescos meatballs

Will75 · 31 January 2013, 21:08

Cheers for all that info gents.

GJ0KYZ · 31 January 2013, 23:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotchiguy

And a couple of gearboxes

Not true as it happens. But in any case, you have to crack a few eggs to make an omlette (see how I managed to get MSM into that one?).

BogMonster · 14 February 2013, 23:07

I'm running one in the back end of nowhere and apart from a tendency to stall going into reverse when stone cold, it's lovely. Only about 70hrs in two and a half years, but love it to bits. I have the software on my laptop, which is good for peace of mind to see everything looks OK, and I run the engine on TCW3 setting but with XD100 in for extra protection. I got about 8 or 10 cans with the boat in 2010 and still have 3 or 4 left, though I just got some more to have plenty in stock.

SteveHall · 15 February 2013, 11:43

I am after a copy of the Evinrude software - any friendly rib net'ers want to help me out?

Chris · 15 February 2013, 20:48

https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=41ff5...4&sc=documents

GordyP · 15 February 2013, 21:06

I run mine on xd100 but with the engines set to xd50. They really, really don't like water in the fuel. Put racor filters in with the clear bowls.

npm108 · 15 February 2013, 21:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=41ff5...4&sc=documents

That version is a bit old now , some more updates available.