E-tec Winterization-unable to restart engine after replacing plugs

markb8608 · 05-24-2009, 06:54 PM

Following the ‘owners manual’ {I could not get the engine to enter winterization mode. i.e. the engine did not accelerate and then shutoff}. After the 3rd attempt, the engine just stopped running. I had thought the engine shut itself off, but I believe it simply stalled out because I was unable to start the engine. I then checked the spark plugs to see why the engine would not start. The plugs were heavily carbonized and oil fowled. I replaced and indexed each plug and then attempted to restart the engine. However the engine has failed to restart after numerous attempts and subsequent re-cleaning of spark plugs.

Several interesting facts worth noting. The winterization instructions in the owner’s manual are different than the official E-tec service manual. The owner’s manual says “HALF-throttle/ neutral gear for 15 secs, pullback throttle lever to slow-idle return to HALF-throttle for another 15 sec until engine shuts-off. However, the service manual says full throttle, neutral gear and listen for winterization audible signal. The owner’s manual never mentions audible signal and I believe you cannot put the engine into winterization mode as described therein.

JALICHTY · 05-25-2009, 06:22 AM

Markb:

I had some problems getting into winterization mode the first year I had my E-Tec. I am still not comfortable with it but there are some really good folks on here that will eventually chime in with help. My first year, according to the mechanic, the motor was "stuck" in winterization mode and I used way too much oil and the engine would kinda stall once in a while while running at high speed. YOu might have that checked out as well. If you are having that type of problem, maybe you need to take it to an E-Tec mechanic for warranty work. Never had problems starting, though. I would also suggest you take a quick trip to the E-Tec owners' forum. They have some great help, including a video showing how to winterize the E-Tec.

I do have one question, though. Why are you winterizing your engine in the middle of the spring/summer??????

oldschool1 · 05-25-2009, 08:35 AM

i dont own an e-tec

but try disconnecting the battery (power to the motor) for 5 minutes reconnect and try starting..

thunnus · 05-25-2009, 09:45 AM

I agree with winterization instructions being unclear. Evinrude really needs to get some editors to rewrite the instructions in the owners manual. The use terms that are never defined anywhere, instead odf saying push button on binnacle in, start motor, advance throttle control forward tyill such and such, and so n.

It's a simple procedure made difficulty by bad instructions/writing.

rhody · 05-25-2009, 11:53 AM

The manual is written in Canadian.

markb8608 · 05-25-2009, 03:18 PM

Hello All
Thanks for all your help. I did disconnect the batteries to see if that worked but it did not help.
mark

markb8608 · 05-26-2009, 05:22 PM

Hi good pickup about doing winterization in springtime.I inspected and then replaced the oil pickup screen in the oil tank this weekend. I wanted to make sure no condensation had formed in the oil tank during the winter. After condutcting an inpsection, I tried the winterization to prime the oil system since the manual says to purge or prime oil system whenever you remove oil tank pickup screen from the tank. Maybe it was a bit overkill as there was probably not too much air at the end-of-the-line. Do you think it is overkill to try and pruge system after just looking the oil pickup screen?
Thanks everyone for your valuable information.
Mark

ScarabChris · 05-26-2009, 06:04 PM

Mark, if the engine is under warranty its time to have it looked at.

itwonder · 05-26-2009, 06:39 PM

I've had no problems using winterization mode on my 2006 Etec 250. IIRC, the procedure in my Owners Manual calls for full throttle movement.

I'd take that motor to a dealer; probably something simple.

dlevitt · 05-26-2009, 06:54 PM

I don't know if you have a trusted mechanic locally, but I've been very happy with Seaboard Marine in Keyport, NJ. Steve, the owner, is very honest and knows these engines inside and out. I would give him a call first and if you bring it in, tell him David Levitt sent you. Their phone number is (732) 264-8910.