Santiago
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Registered: 8-27-2003
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Etec? *Final*Update on my experience
We all go thru life's changes and for me, the onset of abuelo-hood has pushed me over a line I thought I would never cross......pontoon boat
ownership. SWMBO says soon I'll start wearing Depends and voting republican.......not that there is anything wrong with that.
It's a 2004 Sun Tracker 17', center console with a 25HP Merc 4 stroke big foot that was original with the boat. It runs fine, just way underpowered -
maybe 12 MPH with 2 adults and his nibs.
So, I'm about to order a used, 2005 50HP Etec and get jiggy with it.
I have long ago left 2 strokes but am intrigued with the Etecs - let me know your experiences. I am concerned about trolling and the traditional
loading up the 2-stokes are known for; do the Etecs have this issue?
Gracias
Had an 'interesting' experience and learned a few things.
I ordered and received a 50HP 2006 Etec from AFA Marine (smalloutboards.com) in Florida. I have looked at their website over the years and felt
comfortable in sending them money for an engine to be shipped to NorCal. I had it shipped to my local marine center who installed it on a 16'
BassBuggy pontoon, replacing the fuel hoses from the tank to the engine and standard in-line fuel/water filter that most of us have.
On my first launch the engine would not get over 3000rpm, would sound an alarm and throw warning lights. For those of you unfamiliar with Etecs, they
have a tachometer that has 4 warning lights for various malfunctions and will go into 'safe mode', 1500rmps, to protect the engine.
I took it back to the marine center, they hooked it up to the Evenrude software which reported a code that the engine was not getting up to operating
temp. Also, the engine had 350 hours on it. They replaced the thermostat (cruddy looking) and a related valve, ran the engine and got the temp into
proper range; but the gauge was still warning to check engine but the computer was not reporting a code. Weird. Not being an Etec certified shop,
they were stumped.
One my 2nd launch, the exact same thing happened; would not get over 3000 rmp without warning to check engine and the rpm stuck at around 1500.
I took it to the local Etec guru and he found no codes, but the engine would not get above 3000 rmps and it would sound the check engine alarm. He
checked the fuel pressure coming out of the pump and it was below the minimum required so he pulls the pump. On disassembly, the interior screen was
plugged with 'crud'; he cleans it, reinstalls it and walla, 6000rmps. He removes the fuel lines that are under the cowling and they are all
deteriorating on the inside, so much so that he could poke a hole in them with a ballpoint pen with little pressure.
However, the check engine warning light and buzzer are still going off but there are no codes. He knows that it is theoretically impossible for the
computer to turn on the warning system and not report the code that caused it. He unplugs the wiring harness from the back of the gauge and plugs it
into his bench gauge and no buzzer or warning light. Back into mine and it goes off. Bad gauge.
Up shot is that it will cost about $1000 in parts and labor to replace all the interior fuel lines, tachometer etc. SWMBO says I'm big effing idiot
and there was nothing wrong with going 10 mph in the pontoon. While there is strong evidence that she may be right about the former, she is
definitely wrong about the latter. Right?
Is there something goofy about Florida gas that would eat the insides of fuel lines?
Final: So, finally got all the parts in, the fuel pump that we thought just needed cleaning turned out to be toast so that had to be ordered and
installed. Upshot is that in the test run yesterday got 19.5 mph at 5600 rpm. Sweeeet!
[Edited on 12-18-2017 by Santiago]
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55steve
Senior Nomad
Posts: 857
Registered: 4-24-2006
Location: Warner Springs, CA
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I have a 90 Etec on my 17' CC. ZERO smoke, will idle all day without issue. Do routine maintenance and you're good to go. I have been running this
engine for 5 years now - I changed out the spark plugs, water pump impeller & lower unit lube at the recommended 300 hour service last year.
The engines are at least as fuel efficient as a 4 stroke and manage to put out less emissions.
[Edited on 9-27-2017 by 55steve]
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Santiago
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3511
Registered: 8-27-2003
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Update above
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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Bring that senior citizen fishing platform to Eagle Lake this summer. Hopefully we will have a good winter and you can launch at the Spalding ramp
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Santiago
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3511
Registered: 8-27-2003
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Quote: Originally posted by bajaguy  | | Bring that senior citizen fishing platform to Eagle Lake this summer. Hopefully we will have a good winter and you can launch at the Spalding ramp
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Heh, for sure. I was there last week in October and it looked like you could launch if you had to, I drove down to the marina and launched there.
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willardguy
Elite Nomad
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Registered: 9-19-2009
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wonder where captkw's been
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9010
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
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Mood: Inquisitive
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Yeah, he and Pompano have been on some kind of extended fishing trip for some time now.
Couldn't be much room for the two of them in a Livingston. 
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13196
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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No kidding. Time for them to pipe in!
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