Multiple Evinrude ETEC 150 Powerhead Failures

[WingedSea]

Just yesterday, we had a catastrophic failure of our normal rotating 2006 ETEC 150hp mounted in a twin configuration. This is the 6th powerhead failure that has occurred in less than 55 hours of operation. I am interested in any and all experiences of ETEC powerhead failures.

Obviously there are lots of Etec fans here- wish I could be one as well. But, in spite of all the assurances about ETec reliability, I see there are others who also have had engine failures, although not as numerous.

Our previous posts elicited input that this has to be a boat problem. We replaced the complete fuel system and which this latest motor has been on exclusively since getting a clean bill on health from the Evinrude tech rep. The boat, a 26' RIB, is being run worldwide on multiple engine brands without any similar problems. In fact, Evinrude recently concluded a marketing arrangement with the manufacturer.

Will be happy to email photos to anyone interested. Serial numbers from some of the engines- in case anyone is skeptical:

05163876 model E150DCXSUF 05169541 model E150DPXSUF

Would sure like to hear of anyone else's experiences.

[Tom G.]

I really think that you two need to keep the threads over the same motors to a minimum - please don't duplicate the same info... The mods are really trying to help, but it's confusing when you post about the same set of motors on different threads...
My .02....

[WingedSea]

Actually Don, the more threads, the merrier. This is number 6 now in a string of failures, and any info on other experiences is appreciated. I'm not very familiar with these forums, but since I'm not out boating today-due to a blown motor- I am going to begin researching and getting my experiences out on the web as much as possible. Just some quick research this morning has shown quite a number of other owners with engine problems.

Besides your somewhat puzzlig post, I already received an email reply to the effect that I am a dissatisfied owner, as if that should disqualify me from posting. Don't understand why the suppression of the new thread unless this is less than an objective forum for sharing info and ideas. Obviously I have had a horrible experience with Etecs. Other owners and buyers should have this information- they can decide for themselves if this should influence their buying decisions.

I appreciate constructive input, not censorship or personal attacks that seem to follow some posts when people disagree with some preset point of view. I bought the ETecs because of their supposed reliability and low maintenence. Now a year later, I have not had use of my boat!

[Tom G.]

http://www.bbcboards.net...67215

Is this the same set of motors that is discussed in this thread? If so, there has been a lot of discussion about the motors, and I'm not real sure what the point or intent is in starting a completely new thread about the same problems.

Personally, I don't have any problems with you posting your experiences, but I think that it would have been better to post on the existing thread for reference purposes. It's a little easier for the mods to get backgroud info by scrolling up the thread than jump back and forth between threads.

I'm sorry for your experiences with the Etec, but you will find that this is the most helpful site on the Net for J/E issues... If you followed the threads regarding this in the past, you will notice that every effort has been made by the mods to resolve the problem, but sometimes it hasn't been to the owners satisfaction... As long as the rules regarding posting and decorum are followed, things go smoothly.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by WingedSea &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">.

I appreciate constructive input, not censorship or personal attacks that seem to follow some posts when people disagree with some preset point of view. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I find this quote a little disturbing... perhaps you need to step back and be a little more objective, too. There is no "preset" point of view here... I realize and sympathize with your problems, but this is a tech forum not affiliated with BRP. The mods here donate their time and expertise for the benefit of us owners... They bend over backwards to help us resolve issues FOR FREE... Censorship and personal attacks are not the way this site operates, and I think that Al would have something to say about that, too...

I hope you problems are resolved soon to your satisfaction...


P.S. it's Tom, not Don....

[SEAHORSE]

WingedSea,

I don't know who emailed you about not posting here because you were dissatisfied, but I'm sure it was not one of the moderators of the forum here.

You and your associate have been upfront with the problems and posted the serial numbers to show that you were not "trolls" or making up stories like some have in the past.

Those of us in the industry know that there is no widespread problem on motors like yours so it is unusual to hear about the number of malfunctions on your engines.

One thing I don't remember seeing in the previous posts was the testing of the toe-in or toe-out of the motors for an optimum setting, which also affects water pressure and internal cooling of the engine.

Has the dealer or the factory rep run the motors with water pressure gauges and with a piece of clear hose from the engine computer (EMM) cooling line to see if any air bubbles show up at different speeds, in turns, or with different trim settings? If air bubbles are found in the cooling water, then perhaps the aerated water is causing internal hotspots inside the engines, usually from a thru-hull, x-ducer, speed wheel, etc. BRP has high-flow water intake screens to help cool the motors in turbulent water conditions.

Be sure to call customer service Monday morning at 847-689-7090.

Just so the whole story is known, is there anything else that may be part of the story such as boat problems or any other things that were not mentioned previously? On the motor's history, the stb. motor shows only 1 powerhead problem back in Nov. 2006, and a replaced trim gauge last week. The port CCW motor shows 3 powerhead problems.

I know this is a long post, but myself and the others here on the forum want to help. It's tough since we are not there to see the boat in action or to run any tests, so all we can do to assist you is offer suggestions based on experience.

Please keep us posted.

[rudetech1]

Winged Sea, If you have the oportunity, post what your normal operating RPMs are, what the high RPMs you rig runs at. Aeration is the worst enemy to an outboard as Seahorse said, so be sure there is no hardware in front of the water intakes. RIBs can also have a slight "bow" in the hull bottom, if so, you will aerate the water somewhat. The clear hose test is a must on lightweight hulls that jump in and out of the water. Jumping thru/over waves can also contribute to engine failure. If the lower unit comes in and out of the water, air takes place of the water , then the engine has to repurge every time the water pressure comes back. A water pressure guage can also give you a heads up on this. These issues can affect any outboard, not just the E-tecs.