evinrude e-tech troubles

[kapaafire]

Posted on this site a few months ago about an older evinrude.
Bought into all the hype and went out and purchased a brand new 115 hp e-tech by the end of March.

Went well for the first 44 hours. Thereafter, motor was running rough with hick-ups every so often. On my return to the harbor, I went over a wave and the motor died. Unable to restart on numerous tries.

Took it to the dealer and according to him, he was "able to start it up right away." Said it was some water in my oil recirculating hoses that run from the bottom cylinders and return to the top cylinder. After running it for about a minute, the oil warning buzzer would sound. He says BRP recommended winterizing the motor. After he performed this the buzzer went away. The dealer also removed the the excess water in the hose w/ a syringe.

He explained that there was "no detectable" problems when he analyzed info from the download of the EMM computer unit.

Went out again and first 7 hours went well. However, the motor started running rough again and unable to take it above 3000 rpms. Once I shut off the motor I was unable to restart it.

It doesn't crank over, with just the clicking of the solenoid.
New gel deep cycle battery, new wiring, gauges, etc.

Just need a second opinion, I don't think my dealer has enough experience with this type of motor. He has only sold a few in my area.

Anyone have any experience with this type of motor?
Explanations?

Thanks in advance

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: evinrude e-tech troubles

Four possibilities come to mind...
1. Is a gel deep-cycle battery compatible with your motor's requirements?
2. Is the outboard charging the battery, or might there be a problem with that system (which I assume is separate from the fuel injection system)?
3. Might the battery be bad? It happens sometimes. That's why batteries have warranties.
4. Are the battery connections clean and tight (not just finger-tight).

With odd problems with any kind of fuel injected motors, the first thing I look at is the battery. The vast majority of the time, that's the problem. Many times it's because somebody is using a deep-cycle battery as a starting battery. They are made to deliver low amps over a long time and charge similarly. Starting bateries deliver lotsa amps very quickly and charge similarly. Deep-cycle batteries are for electric trolling motors and other kinds of electrcal boat systems. Starting batteries are for outboards and sterndrives.

Most deep-cycles these days are advertised as Dual Purpose, and on carbureted motors that's mostly true. They are heavy enough to deliver starting current, but they still charge slow like every deep-cycle. They can't take in enough juice to replace both what was used in starting, plus maintain the demands of fuel injection. One step forward (start), two steps back (recharge plus power the fuel injection).

Every fuel injected boat we sell gets an Extra Heavy Duty starting battery. Every fuel injected outboard we hang on an older boat gets an Extra Heavy Duty starting battery.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: evinrude e-tech troubles

Call Evinrude customer service at 847 689 7090 with your serial number and mention your problems. Ask for another dealer, one who has E-TEC trained techs.

Water in the recirculation line means that you are ingesting water spray from the outside (transducer, speedwheel, ladder left down, etc.) or have some inside the oil tank.

If the solenoid just clicks, there is a possibility that it is bad, but more likely a lack of voltage problem like battery, cables, wing nuts that should be locknuts, connections, etc.

Let us know what the factory tells you and what finally is found as the problem. The 115 is the quietest and the sweetest running of all the E-TECs and the folks who have them, love them.

Good luck.

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: evinrude e-tech troubles

Not sure about the running rough or the notbeing able to go over 3K RPM, doesn't sound like it has anything to do with the battery. But for starting purposes I agree, you should definitely be using a starting battery. When I got my first DI motor in 2001 (Ficht 150) the tech told me to use nothing less than a 1,000 MCA battery for the heavy starting demand, I used one for starting and a deep cycle as a house battery, never had a single problem.

I know E-tec's are supposed to start a lot easier than the Ficht, I think it's something like half the crank revolutions in order to start it, but still you should be using a high MCA starting battery.

I agree that you should call Bombardier yourself, as water in the recirc valves to me sounds scary since they lubricate the top end of the engine.

 

[kapaafire]

Re: evinrude e-tech troubles

O.K. The Dealer tried to jump the starter when I was present and no response. He found the starter to have water in it and took it apart. The starting problem is now solved.

As for the water in the recirculating line, the dealer siphoned it out with a syringe. He then told me the "no oil" light and buzzer would sound after running the motor for about 1 min. He contacted Bombadier and they told him winterize the motor. Buzzer problem solved at idle.

Took the boat out today and after about 10 min. the "no oil" light and buzzer went on again. It appears that there is oil in the clear recirc. and other oil lines.

What the heck???

Any suggestions?
How would water get into the recirc. hoses? Port of entry?
This is the third time since March that I will have to trailer my boat back to the dealer.

What would it take to "lemon law" this motor and get a new one?
For half the time that I've owned this motor it's been in the shop!

 

[seahorse5]

Re: evinrude e-tech troubles

You don't say what year or hp motor that you have. There are some upgrades available for certain models. Most "NO OIL" alarms are false and the latest software changes take care of that.

Two things we need to know to help you.

1) model and serial number

2) software revision number = ask your dealer

With water in the starter and previously water in the oil, you definately have an water ingestion problem that has to be fixed ASAP!

Once again, do yourself a favor call Evinrude customer service at 847 689 7090 with your serial number and mention your problems. Ask for another dealer, one who has E-TEC trained techs.

 

[kapaafire]

Re: evinrude e-tech troubles

Thanks for the response Seahorse 5.

Model # E115DPXSU
Serial # 05186121

My dealer is the only one on the island. Nearest one is a barge ride away, approx. 100 miles.

I'll try to find out the software revision # on Monday from the dealer. He has already programed it to run on the XD100 oil, if that means anything.

Also will call BRP tommorrow.

Where could the water intrusion be coming from? The vent on the rear of the shroud? Underneath the power head?

Would water be able to enter the oil system through the vent? Waves?

Also noticed some XD100 oil dripping from the front bottom area of the power head. Where the oil line connects into the motor.

Thank you