E-Tec trouble

I recently just purchased a Cape Horn with twin 225 E-Tec's. The boat and motors are an 06 but bought in 07. Since it got cold here in Virginia I am having trouble starting them and when I come off plane they won't idle. Since the dealership can't fix them I came here to seek advise. Also the starboard motor runs about 10 degrees hotter than the port. When trolling offshore they both seem to run at about 170 to 180 degrees. Is this a problem? Thanks in advance for any info. Billy

Re: E-Tec trouble

I know little to nothing about E-Tec motors.But Bombardier touts them so much,I'd be all over the dealer (who can't fix them) to get a Service Rep out to look at them.They are not cheap motors.

But two motors running poor,on the same boat really sounds like the problem is the boat,not the motors.Lots of things come to mind ...... fuel tank battery anything the motors share in common.Sounds like they are both running too warm.Again I don't know.But one running hotter than the other is usually a sign of poor set up (rigging).But 10 degrees is not a lot.

Maybe you need to do some foot work before jumping on the motors.

DHP

Re: E-Tec trouble

I'd be contacting Bombardier and raise heck. For a motor that advertised as 3 years no maintenance, no break-in, etc... Not idling is a big problem! I would suspect the dealer is avoiding responsibility instead of can't fix it.

Re: E-Tec trouble

Thanks guy's. I just talked to Cape Horn and Evinrude. They simply told me to take it to a different dealer. So I called him. He said that if they weren't set up correctly from the boat builder then this would occur a charge. I am completely upset right now. The dealer tells me it is bad fuel. I now better than that. Because when I get them started and running and I get them on plane they run like a rapped ape. So bad gas I don't think so. I really hope an E-Tec mechanic sees this and can help me out. I wish I had my Mercury's back. 3 years and 5,000 miles on them with no trouble at all and I could work on them myself.

Re: E-Tec trouble

So take the boat out for a run.When you get back,take a fuel sample off a fuel line going to either motor.Show it to the dealer.

I don't think he's a bad guy,and you have to deal with someone on this.

DHP

Re: E-Tec trouble

You shouldn't even think of screwing with those motors. Find a competent dealer and let him dope it out. BTW, '06 motors may need a MAP upgrade or two (no charge) and it's possible that may be a possible issue. If the hull mfgr rigged the motors, talk to them to see if they will cover the cost of rigging screwups. I have a pair of E-Tec 175's and they are great and so is the dealer I bought them from, even though they made a couple of minor rigging foulups. You have an excellent warranty ... use it!

Re: E-Tec trouble

You may need to go back to the people who rigged your outfit for reimbursement of the costs. If they are a licensed Evinrude dealer then you may need Evinrude to intervene on your behalf.

Re: E-Tec trouble

I was on the phone with Cape Horn and Evinrude this morning. So I have covered those bases.

Re: E-Tec trouble

Years ago, I used to find that AT&T and the local Bell affiliate used to try to play that game .... one would blame problems on the other. My usual response was to just hound the heck out of both of them until they quit the crap and got down to fixing the problem.

I recommend that you do the same and, whatever you do, don't put a wrench on those motors while they are still in warranty!

Re: E-Tec trouble

You may find that the selling boat dealer will work with you on behalf of the boat company if it is a factory setup (rig) problem. When we sell a boat to someone and it is used in an area far from our dealership, we tell the owner to take it to a local dealer of his choice. Have the work done, pay for the repairs, then send us the bill. We reimburse the owner and submit the bill under factory boat warranty. We have found that quirky problems that you have can trace back to the original setup either at the boat factory or selling dealer. The electrical connections for these engines, especially grounds-are critical for optimum driveability.

Re: E-Tec trouble

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first have the engines checked to determine if they have the most up to date engine software maps. 170-180 seems a little high....(if I recall it should be around 150-160) but have the thermostats checked. I would start there but you have to remember these are "sophisticated " engines. Since the problem is happening with both engines I would also check to see if there is a fuel restriction in the boats fuel system. Usually when there is the same problem with twins it is boat related. Just be aware that its a little hard to "diagnose" an e-tec problem without having access to the engine and being able to check basic things like compression, spark, fuel delivery. Does your dealership have a certified evinrude tech? If not find one that does and have them take a look. Hope I may have been some help. Good luck.

Update on E-Tec Trouble

Update on E-Tec Trouble

Well it seems that all of the plugs were fouled. They say it was caused by bad gas. They are checking the my fuel now to see if there is still bad gas in the fuel tank. Thermostats have been changed so not sure there. Suppose to get the boat back today but it is blowing 20 to 25 and tomorrow through the weekend the same thing. But I will test run asap. Thanks for the help guy's

Re: Update on E-Tec Trouble

Re: Update on E-Tec Trouble

First off it was a rigging problem you would have had it happen right away. So im gonna guess that rigging had nothing to do with it. What type of temp gauges are you using? Bad gas you would be running bad all around. There are a few things that can foul your plugs out early. Engine temp needs to be right. You did not post your modle and serical number. Your engines may need a pin kit installed. Also there is a new spark plug for the 3.3 liters. Make sure these were installed. All this should of been covered under warranty. To find the best place to have your engines serviced visit the Evinrude web site and do a dealer search. Dealers that are up with tools and know how will have a Certified tech logo next to there information. These are the dealers you want to go to.

Re: E-Tec trouble

striper_on said:

I recently just purchased a Cape Horn with twin 225 E-Tec's. The boat and motors are an 06 but bought in 07. Since it got cold here in Virginia I am having trouble starting them and when I come off plane they won't idle. Since the dealership can't fix them I came here to seek advise. Also the starboard motor runs about 10 degrees hotter than the port. When trolling offshore they both seem to run at about 170 to 180 degrees. Is this a problem? Thanks in advance for any info. Billy

Click to expand...

Most of the time, worn plugs are the culprit, and if that's the case, then it is very possible that the thermostats and/or "blow off" valve are not operating correctly. In those cases the motor does not warm up and the computer keeps delivering more fuel and spark to the engine.

There are a couple of service bulletins about better plugs and how to test the cooling system.

Post your serial numbers and we can help you in more detail.

If you are not happy with the dealer, call customer service at 847-689-7090 on Monday.