Deflector Pin

[gcmarshall]

I've seen it mentioned that some people have had their deflector pins replaced? What E-tec was this for? is this some kind of recall? Just trying to figure out if it is something that I should be asking my dealer to replace on my 2006 ETEC 60s (If this will help my plugs to last longer than a month (150 hours) I would love to hear about it)

[John from IL]

This was not a recall. There was a service bulletin on this subject for a certain range of 200-250 V6's (I don't have bulletin in front of me, so I don't know the specifics off-hand).

What I can tell you though, is if you are experiencing shorter than expected spark plug life, the very first thing that must be done is to monitor the engine operating temperature from idle to about 2000 rpm. It should not be done running the engine on a hose, this frequently shows false readings. Ideally the boat/motor should be in the water as you would drive it. It is best done by watching the monitor screen of the diagnostic program, refer your dealer to service bulletin 2006-07(S) which addresses the engine temp requirements for the 40 - 90 HP E-TECs. FYI for you, these engines should be running in the 150-152°F from dead idle speed to about 1800-2000 rpm. Any cooler will effect plug life.

The thermostat is a quick easy check - Have them make sure there is no debris caught in it and that the seal is intact. Secondly (and probably more importantly) they need to check the pressure relief valve in the top of the block. Regardless of whether or not they "find anything wrong with it" IF THE ENGINE IS RUNNING COOL/COLD, REPLACE THE ENTIRE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE ASSEMBLY including seals, gaskets, spring, plunger etc.

Any small E-TEC I have dealt with that had this problem was running cold and the vast majority were fixed with a complete new pressure relief valve.

In a few cases, I've had customers come back regarding plug life after the temperature problem was corrected. In those cases it was recommended to install the pins and it did help.

Have your dealer contact the BRP service rep for the details.

Hope this info helps...

-John

[gcmarshall]

From the diagnostic software the port engine spends 9% of its time below 140F so I guess that could be a problem.

I will see if I can get my dealer to change the pressure relief valve assembly.

I do get about 150 hours before I have to change the plugs so in terms of hours I am doing ok.....unfortunately that only equates to a month of commercial fishing - so there are lots of guys with 4 stroke Johnsons who never change their plugs who are laughing at me!

Thanks much for the help!!!

[John from IL]

Gary,

It sounds like you are looking at a temperature profile.

You need to look at the monitor screen and see what the "real time" temperatures are. The profile is not an accurate means of determining correct engine operating temp.

-John