2001 50 horse 4 stroke - WARNING

[sonybob]

This a topic that has probably been discussed before but it just touched me and I'm pissed and want to pass it along. To anyone that is looking to purchase a 2001 FI 4 stroke Bombardier (read Evinrude), be aware: This series (and I'm sure many others) was engineered with the timing sensor permenently attached to the drive shaft. (Or something like that, I'm not very smart about that stuff) Anyway, we all at sometime have a prop hit an underwater object. If the shaft on this series of engines is put out of alignment even the most miniscule of degrees, the timing is permenently out of alignment. The fix - replace the power head at a cost of almost $4,000.00. Be sure you check into this before you purchase a boat with a 4 stroke FI Bombardier engine.<br /> If anyone has a different take on this or has anything to add, please chime in. <br />Thanks - Bob<br />PS - my boat's still out of the water because of this and it's almost July!!!

 

[muskrat]

Re: 2001 50 horse 4 stroke - WARNING

whats the model & serial number..

 

[sonybob]

Re: 2001 50 horse 4 stroke - WARNING

Hi Muskrat<br /> Mod # Evinrude 50PL4SI, Serial # 18008240. Thank you for your reply; do you know something that would help future buyers??<br />Bob

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 2001 50 horse 4 stroke - WARNING

I'm sure youre aware that its really a Suzuki motor.

 

[sonybob]

Re: 2001 50 horse 4 stroke - WARNING

Now, I'm REALLY pissed!!!<br />Bob

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 2001 50 horse 4 stroke - WARNING

If it helps any, BRP announced last month they are dropping the Suzuki 4 strokes from 40 hp & up.

 

[joaklay]

Re: 2001 50 horse 4 stroke - WARNING

I'm not familiar with that outboard BUT I'd surely get another professional opinion on that BEFORE assuming that you're SOL.<br /> I find that hard to believe as I can't imagine that a speed (or input) sensor of any type can't be replaced.

 

[clanton]

Re: 2001 50 horse 4 stroke - WARNING

There was something, about this from suz, but I cant remember what, I will scratch around see what I can find. The boat insurance should cover this.

 

[clanton]

Re: 2001 50 horse 4 stroke - WARNING

Found it. Service solutions 2004, page 10. What happens is the timing gear on the crankshaft does not have a key, when you hit something the gear slips causing the engine to be out of time. The recommendation is to replace the crankshaft, not the powerhead. I dont have a manual for this engine or have I had one apart. Before I paid 4000.00 for a replacement power head. I would remove the PH from the exhaust housing and look at the gears, and try to put it back in time. If this can be done, then you may be able to spot weld the gear to the crankshaft, to hold it in time.

 

[sonybob]

Re: 2001 50 horse 4 stroke - WARNING

Thanks everyone for the info. Clanton is right; my insurance is covering everything but the deductable and is trying to get that for me also. (Allstate - good service). I just want any of you out there that might think they're getting a good deal on a used 50 horse, to be aware that you might want to avoid this series. Looks like there's a Merc or Honda in my future!<br />Thanks again<br />Bob

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 2001 50 horse 4 stroke - WARNING

Just be careful not to jump from the frying pan into the fire. Stay calm and stick with Clanton.