2009 Etec 225 oil consumption

[offshoreisle]

I replaced a johnson 200 with an Etec 225 in June. Dealer set up and ran, propped out to 5800 RPM. I'm using half the fuel I used to, and picked up 10 kts.

The engine was programed to run the best oil (49 bucks a gallon) I was told aprox 1 gallon to 50 hours of use. After break-in when it uses double oil for the first 2 hours it was supposed to use very little oil. However after 50 hours I've gone through 5 + gallons of oil. Aproximately half of the time on the motor was spent slow trolling for tuna, the other half at cruise at about 4,000 RPM.

It's at the dealer for the second time, they couldn't find anything the first time and are now back pedaling saying it's normal. Although I don't see any smoke, the plugs looked oil fouled to me, and it runs a little rough at lower rpm.

I guess I'm wondering if anyone else is experiencing the same oil consumption?

I have heard some people running a lot harder than I am, and buring next to nothing for oil.

any info is appreciated.

Paul

 

[Anchor Management 1]

Re: 2009 Etec 225 oil consumption

What oil are you using ? XD 100 When the shop hooks it up to the laptop you can get the read out (copy) and it will say what oil the EMM is programed for.

 

[offshoreisle]

Re: 2009 Etec 225 oil consumption

Yes it is the XD 100. This was checked the first time I brought it in. They also confirmed that the break in period completed.

I'm thinking of going to the less expensive oil if they say this is normal. I might be saving gas but adding $50 to $100 for oil every time I fill it up with fuel pretty much negates any fuel savings. In fact this engine is costing me more to run than my old Johnson 200.

I'm starting to question the dealer's mechanic's expertise. They're also starting to cop an attitude with me and I've been nothing but pleasant and patient up until now. I may seek out another opinion from another dealer.

 

[dingbat]

Re: 2009 Etec 225 oil consumption

I would suggest you find a different mechanic.

Oil consumption is based on a fuel to oil ratio, not by the hour. Anyone who gives you consumption by the hour doesn?t know what they are talking about.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 2009 Etec 225 oil consumption

XD100 with T 2007 E-Tec 175's average ~ 86:1. BTW, XD100 doesn't stand for 100:1, it's BRP's designation for 100% synthetic oil. Your oil use will vary depending on RPM. High % of trolling and low RPM will yield higher ratio. I have no idea what use is relative to operating time. Ask the mechanic to verify that motor has come out of the double oil period (~ 10 hours operation) and that motor is, in fact, set for XD100. BTW, my motors have been bulletproof so far.

My T 175's use ~ one gal. total for an offshore trip of 5 to 6 hours @ 4000 RPM and 6 to 8 hours @ 1500 RPM to give you a different yardstick.

You need to shop around for oil ... you can find XD100 for < $40 a gal.

 

[offshoreisle]

Re: 2009 Etec 225 oil consumption

Thanks for the input.

I think I'd be happy if I were getting 86 to 1. I was told by the dealer and their service manager I would see 1 gallon to 50 hours average. The first visit back I told them (after break-in, which was set at 2 hours and confirmed completed), I'm getting closer to 50:1

Sales hype maybe. but the service manager thought it was high also. Of course now that he can't find anything, he's back pedaling. He even said the factory said it's normal. If they don't find anything this week, I'm picking up the boat and using it the rest of our short New England season. I'm missing some good tuna fishing and it's been a short summer for us. I don't think it can do any harm running it this way. Better than no oil like the old VRO problems.

I'm looking for another mechanic who has ETEC training and experience.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 2009 Etec 225 oil consumption

What is the model and serial number?

Is it a regular 225 or the 225HO, that makes a big difference in oil use?

Engine temp also affects oil consumption. If the thermostats are not warming the motor up enough, that could be a problem.

Had you gotten any NO OIL or HOT alarms. Either one will cause the oil pump to go crazy to be sure the motor is lubricated.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: 2009 Etec 225 oil consumption

Sounds like its still in break-in mode(double oil) and I know this can be reset but questioning it able to be modified for # of hours

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 2009 Etec 225 oil consumption

The dealer suggesting an amount of oil per no. of hours operation is absurd. Say in 50 hours you averaged 12 gph, that would be 600 gallons of fuel. No way one gallon of oil would deal with that. My offshore trips are perhaps more comparable to your use, so let's say 12 hours (about 1/2 at cruise and 1/2 trolling), my HP is 350 total, while yours is 225), your motor would use 64% of one gallon of oil or 18.6 hours to use one gallom of XD100, if my math is correct to yield ~ what I use. 50 hours per gallon ... no way in the world that would ever happen.

 

[offshoreisle]

Re: 2009 Etec 225 oil consumption

I agree quoting the customer oil use per hour is silly. Overall I'm very happy with the engine, fuel use is half of what I used with the Johnson 200. No alarms, I'm burning about 8 gallons an hour on a 24 Hydrasport CC. Can't beat it.

But as far as oil, I'm very disappointed. I've done the math and as close as I can figure, my best trip I got 60 to 1, worst trip closer to 40 to 1. The worst trip I ran further offshore with more weight. I'm averaging 2 gallons of oil for every 100 gallons I put in the boat.

After speaking with the mechanic yesterday and the owner of the dealership, I've decided to pull the boat out of there today. They are clueless. I'll find another mechanic, there are several in my area.

One thing I'm going to do on my own is to make sure there is nothing wrong with the fuel system on the boat, tank pick up, fuel lines etc. Just so I'm confident the boat isn't the cause. New micron filter/separator and fuel lines were installed with the motor, but I'll check them this weekend anyway.

Thank you all for the input. I'll let you know if I find anything.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 2009 Etec 225 oil consumption

Are you sure the dealer said one gallon per 50 HOURS of running time or 1 gallon oil to 50 GALLONS of gasoline?