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Working on a deal for a boat with a 225 ETEC.
Motor is a 2005, but never used. Thought this
was going to be the way to go, but had a guy today tell me that over the lon haul, the ETEC
will suffer from some of the powerhead or lower unit issue that the traditional 2 stroked did.
me and my bother has a2005 24' cape horn with twin 200ho etecs on it.We have had 2 power heads replaced,the both mid units,1foot and has been in the shop more than on the water.They burn about 36 gal an hour and it runs about 47 wot.If you chose to go with etecs good luck
I have an ETEC 225 HO that has been flawless for right at 200 hrs. However, I will admit that BRP replaced my lower unit and midsection due to some blistering paint and minimal corrosion. I wouldn't worry so much about powerhead issues. A friend of my family runs crewboats with ETECs with no problems so far after 2 years runnng all day most days in oil service duty. I think that powerhead failures are not unique o any brand. However, if you are trolling, there are some updates that you should check into. The 2005 model year had some problems with plug fouling after extensive low RPM use. There is a fix, however.
I am running a 2006 E-Tec 225, I am approaching about 150 hours on it and I have had no problems. Like you I did a lot of homework since this new design didn't have a lot of service years behind it. I have been impressed by my dealer in the fact that they came to my marina to replace a gasket around the cabin door, when he arrived he had his lap top. He pulled data from my motor and at the same time updated operating perimeters of the motor. Here is the thing, your going to find flawed motors, all manufacturers have problems from time to time, they deal with outside suppliers and these suppliers will take shortcuts. Its how the manufacturer deals with correcting these flaws that is the concern. Its groups like this forum and others that keep boat and outboard companies on their toes about the perception of the quality of their products.This has improved their service levels.
Working on a deal for a boat with a 225 ETEC.
Motor is a 2005, but never used. ...
.....This would be extended great lakes trolling.
If the 2005 motor has a serial number below 5139665 there is a quick fix your dealer can implement to improve sparkplug life during extended trolling. If the serial number is above that - you are good to go
If you buy now you get the 5 year warranty on the motor as long as it has not been registered previously.
Don't listen to those who want to bad mouth or bash any engine. All motors today are pretty good, have better quality than in years gone by, and are more fuel efficient and pollute less than the oldies. Most bashers (especially here on THT) are not E-TEC owners or trained techs and have just "heard" about so called problems from somebody's neighbor's cousin who knew someone who hung around marinas somewhere.
Listen to the folks on this site who have E-TECs and put a lot of hours on them. You will find enthusiasts and professional guides and commercial fisherman who put their faith and livelihood in Evinrude.
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*... possessing more tools than talent !
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times two - 2/28/2008 12:11 AM .............had a guy today tell me that over the lon haul, the ETEC will suffer from some of the powerhead or lower unit issue that the traditional 2 stroked did. ...............
So do you believe this guy who makes this kind of statement?
ALL the big outboards and almost all of the small ones were "traditional 2 stroked", Just about 100 years of them, and big 4 strokes have been around about 8 years... So the idiot has basically told you ALL outboards had these issues
Oh boy, let the bashing begin. If you want horror stories you have come to the right place. But fortunatly most of the bad news comes from people that don't even own an E-Tec but for some reason feel the need to talk crap about them. Another good majority of bad news is 2nd hand information.
If you want real and accruate stories both good and bad then listen only to the E-Tec owners. I am an E-Tec owner and I bought my twin 250s in October 2005 and I now have over 800 hours of trouble free use.
I cannot speak for the E-tecs but I slow troll regularly with my DFI 2 stroke and I never have a hiccup. As a matter of fact DFI's like the Etec and OptiMax burn less fuel than a 4 stroke while slow trolling due to the stratification of fuel. For example. My OptiMax burns 0.3-0.5 gph while trolling for stripers.
The only lower unit problems I hear of with todays motors are from guys who generally run go fast boats and dont keep the lower units in the water. The torque against them when the water presure releases and grabs again tends to be hard on lower units no mater the power head technology.
__________________ 2009 Judge Yachts 27 Chesapeake powered by Honda Marine
For "extended great lakes trolling" I'd go with a four stroke... no question about it (I used to fish Lake Ontario all the time and know the routine). Good luck.
2007 ETEC 250's - 105 hours - only problem is I can't hear them when they are running........boy what an aggrevation that is..........
Had water in the fuel on one engine... dealer resolved it immediately.
Have an interesting crack in the lower gear housing that looks like an aluminum casting issue..... I'm sure that it will be taken care of under warranty.
Nope, no real issues.
Have a great day everyone,
Fin-
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2007 2900 Hydra Sport Vector Center Console - Serious Fish Raising Machine
Just blew the powerhead on a 2008 250. Software issue not an engine issue. Replaced powerhead within a week and good to go. Love the engine I have been impressed with performance.
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Captain Todd
Sling N' Bait Charters
289 hrs on twin 2006 225 E-Tecs. One powerhead and one lower unit. Both replaced (with dressed 2008 units) in under 3 days and I was back on the water.
Don't listen to guys that actually have these engines... they are all lying to you...
My grandfathers uncles cousins friend roommates sister told him, that she know a guy that built the engines and he swore to her, that they are actually made of compacted sand.
When they hit the water they will melt once the paint is saturated. Don't worry about the power head failing.
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24' Grady White - SOLD!
13' Boston Whaler
Twin 2006 E-tec 250HP... only problem (nothing to do with BRP) was water pump impeller loosing elasticity due to the engine being brand new and sitting for more than 2 years in the crate... solved under my mechanic's warranty = $0 cost for me.
One strong point that I like about BRP and E-tecs, is how easy it is to maintain the engine after warranty is done. Usually, nobody wonder "what would happen if I keep this engine for more than the warranty period???" What happen with the updates and diagnostics?? and maintenance???
Due to my particular, maybe unique, situation (no warranty on the engines from BRP) I can tell you that BRP is SUPER-Friendly with their customers on regard to support and availability of parts....
Unlike some other brands, they would provide (for a very reasonable price) with the diagnostic software, diagnostic cable, updates parts, etc...
I just got the update for the iridium spark plugs and the installation manual (with pictures and everything) is FOOL-PROOF, they make it very hard for you to mess it up.
If you still have 2 brain cells talking to each other, you CAN'T screw it!!! Price of the kit for both heads= $15
Usually, the other brands, either would charge you a ridiculous high price for the diagnostic software, cable or updates, or won't even sell it to you if you are not a dealer.
IMO ALL engines today are efficient, clean, reliable and strong. That being said, also ALL brands have THAT ONE engine that would fail, or head that would blow or LU that will break.
The important part is the reliability of the company behind your engine, and the support from the dealer that will serve as a channel for your satisfaction.
looking for etec horror stories
