TLDI and ETEC slow speed motoring?

[brandoncole@msn.com]

RE "new" 2 stroke technology, specifically Tohatsu 40TLDI and Evinrude Etec 40:<br /><br />Are these good choices for lots of slow motoring, say 1 to 3 knots (less than 1000rpm I'd guess), 5 to 10 hours each day, for approx 30 days each year (total 150 to 300 hours each year)??? <br /><br />Of course each day would likely also have 1 to 3 hours of mid to high speed use...<br /><br />Boat would be a 400 # Rigid hull inflatable loaded to 900 to 1000# total with motor, gear, people, etc., salt water use only.<br /><br />I know fuel economy is great with these new motors, and very little smoke, quieter, etc... just wondering if these new tech 2 strokes "like" or "dislike" this kind of use? Are they better than old 2 stroke technology for this application? Similar to modern 4 strokes? Does such use lead to higher maintenance costs?<br /><br />To summarize: TLDI/ETEC or 4 stroke for my needs?<br /><br />My only experience for 15 years has been with 2 strokes, resulting in carbloading, shaking, smoking, tuneups, etc.<br /><br /> <br />Thanks very much for any words of wisdom-<br /><br />Brandon Cole

 

[khc1970]

Re: TLDI and ETEC slow speed motoring?

I have a 90 tldi, it's a 3 cyl and the 40 has only 2(?) as is the etec. Mine idles great and can do slow speed/troll without any problems, on the tldi you can adjust the rev by pushing in the key and it goes down by 50 at a time up to 200 (or is it 150?). At trolling speed these two engine is more econimcal than many (if not almost all) 4 strokes and it uses very little oil, less than 100:1. The only problem I can see is the vibration issue as it has only 2 cyl and fewer cylinders mean rougher running (in a way).

 

[Silvertip]

Re: TLDI and ETEC slow speed motoring?

For your purposes, any of the smaller four strokes might be a better choice. You spend a great deal of time at lower RPM yet will provide the mid range performance you want. These engines are exceptionally smooth. I'm a two-stroke guy but in your situation, I feel the four-stroke is a better choice.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: TLDI and ETEC slow speed motoring?

If it comes down to an E-Tec vs a TLDI, the deciding factor for you might be the battery. The E-Tec can start and run without one, while the TLDI will not start or run without a relatively large & heavy one (100AH).<br /><br />I don't think you can really compare one of these DFI 2-strokes to an old tempermental carbed one. I belive both can be dialed in to idle at extremely low RPMs and run like that all day. But I'll leave that answer to the experienced.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: TLDI and ETEC slow speed motoring?

Where in the world are you guys getting your information on the battery requirements for the TLDI engines? The requirement is for a battery with a CCA of 875 to 925...Just like the HPDI and Optimax engines. They do not weigh anymore than any other marine battery. Also, the TLDI 40 and 50 are 3-cylinder engines and idle very smoothly.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: TLDI and ETEC slow speed motoring?

I got that out of the online user manual, where it says 100AH or 120AH for cold climates. <br />Thanks for the correction!

 

[Bass Man Bruce]

Re: TLDI and ETEC slow speed motoring?

My 50 hp etec will idle at 600rpm, Ive run there for hours with no probs but it's brand new (less than 50 hrs on it) and I expect any new motor will run well while new. If low speed is important to you don't overlook the gear ratio as well as the idle speed. btw the etec has a magneto and an alternator and is designed to run/start with or without a battery. I,ve yet to try rope starting it though as the elec start is to convenient. At 600 rpm it does shake a little but is still much smoother than my old 40 hp Johnson. If your going to drop much coin on a motor I recomend narrow down your choices and get in a boat with each one.

 

[brandoncole@msn.com]

Re: TLDI and ETEC slow speed motoring?

Thanks to all who have answered. Good information to digest. Much appreciated. <br /><br />Did not know about the Etec's ability to start/run without a battery in case of battery failure. I am trying to set up some sea trials with these motors.<br /><br />Best,<br /><br />brandon cole

 

[Bwalker]

Re: TLDI and ETEC slow speed motoring?

Either a etec or tldi will troll just as well asa four cycle, if not better.

 

[khc1970]

Re: TLDI and ETEC slow speed motoring?

Originally posted by Paul Moir:<br /> If it comes down to an E-Tec vs a TLDI, the deciding factor for you might be the battery. The E-Tec can start and run without one, while the TLDI will not start or run without a relatively large & heavy one (100AH).<br /><br />

If the tldi can't be started without a battery, then why does Tohatsu bother to include a rope for starting?

 

[Bwalker]

Re: TLDI and ETEC slow speed motoring?

In case the starter fails?

 

[nevd]

Re: TLDI and ETEC slow speed motoring?

The Tohatsu is a lighter motor than an Etec, but minimum battery size is certainly in favour of the Etec - see my posting in Honda&Tohatsu/Nissan Repair and Maintenance section. <br /><br />I suspect it won't be long before Tohatsu fix this problem on new engines as I have not been able to find a battery weighing less than 32kg which meets Tohatsu specs.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: TLDI and ETEC slow speed motoring?

Here's a tip. Use the internet. Type in " marine battery" into a search engine and....<br /><br />Interstate Battery Company<br />SC31DM 31 900 1125 155 12-13/16 x 6-1/2 x 9-3/8 59.8 18 36 75 Stud and Auto <br /><br />That's a 900 CCA battery that weighs a normal weight of 59.8 lbs or 27kg. <br /><br />The internet is a wonderful thing. It took me less than 1 minute to find that information from the first and only website that I checked.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: TLDI and ETEC slow speed motoring?

internetoutboards.<br /> can you use the new dry cell batteries with the tldi? we found that they are light and work well so far. we have been using the optima's. they are a tad pricey tough

 

[brandoncole@msn.com]

Re: TLDI and ETEC slow speed motoring?

Originally posted by Ben Walker:<br /> Either a etec or tldi will troll just as well asa four cycle, if not better.

Good to hear, Thanks Ben!<br /><br />Another question RE the TLDI and Etec 2 stroke technology- Am I correct in assuming that these motors have less of a problem with carb buildup/coking (sp?) than traditional 2 strokes?<br /><br />brandon

 

[ziemann]

Re: TLDI and ETEC slow speed motoring?

Yes, carbon build up is almost non existant for both. Both are extremely clean burning (even with the recommended factory oils). I use my 50 TLDI alot. It sees two extremes...wide open and idling at very very slow RPM's trolling. I am able to troll Walleye with my 50 TLDI at 1.3 mph at 700 RPM's. As mentioned earlier, the idle RPM's can be moved in 100 RPM increments by simply pushing in on the ignition switch to set your trolling speed to exactly where you want it. It is extremely smooth- uses very little fuel, and so far (after 220 hours) been reliable. I haven't even changed plugs yet...yeah I know I know...don't yell at me...I should have done it already....

 

[rodbolt]

Re: TLDI and ETEC slow speed motoring?

z-man<br /> I wont holler<br /> I have not changed the plugs on my 85 120 jonny rude in 3 years or so. couse I dont think I have had the hood off yet this year. had I known it was gonna last this long maybe I would do some maint.<br /> hasnt had a water pump or t-ststs in maybe6 years.<br /> but then again I am a tech <br />never tell a tech to fix it like it was yours

 

[CATransplant]

Re: TLDI and ETEC slow speed motoring?

Two strokes are much maligned as trolling motors. My ancient '58 35hp Johnson will troll all day at 500 rpm. It just sits back there and says "blub...blub...blub" and trucks along at under 2mph on my 14 1/2' trihull. <br /><br />The key is flywheel weight. The old Big Twins had heavy flywheels and would run slow as long as you liked. You have to use a J8C plug...one hotter than the normal, but I've never had it foul a plug or anything else.<br /><br />I had a 5hp kicker on my boat for trolling, but the big guy does just fine.<br /><br />It's not just two strokes...it's the design of the two-stroke. Some run well at idling speed; some don't.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: TLDI and ETEC slow speed motoring?

Rodbolt,<br /><br />I have not heard of anyone using any drycells....But, I'll ask around and let you know.

 

[Bwalker]

Re: TLDI and ETEC slow speed motoring?

I have used optima's for years.