posted 08-17-2004 09:51 PM ET (US)            

I really do like the look of those E-TEC engines under the cowling. They just have an appearance of being well designed and thought out. Some engines have a spaghetti bowl of hoses running hither and yon under the cowling, and you wonder what all that plumbing is there for! The E-TEC engines look simple and organized in comparison.

I guess all the E-TEC guys are out boating and too busy to follow up with postings.

posted 08-18-2004 07:48 AM ET (US)            

http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/002841.html

Another thread of interesting comments on the E-TEC from March:

http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/002392.html

posted 08-18-2004 01:52 PM ET (US)            

I purchased a 2004 90hp E-TEC. It was #7 off the production line. I have 4-inch CMC set back brackets, with the cavitation plate 3-inches up from the lowest transom point. After some tachometer problems, an ECM software upgrade, and several different propellers, I think I have found the correct set-up, and am quite pleased with the engine's performance. (I have a possible ECM upgrade correction still pending with Bombardier, so my propeller size may change back to a 13.25 x 17.)

I am currently running a 13.25 x 15 stainless steel Stiletto Advantage propeller. 5500 maximum RPM at 42.5 MPH, with a light load. Initially, there was some significant vibration at 900-1100 RPM, but this has all but gone away. The smaller propeller seems to have helped a lot. This weekend I saw 4300 RPM, with 5 big guys and a Lab, at 6200 feet elevation.

The engine runs flawlessly, starts on the first crank every time, is quiet, smokeless, and very, very fuel-efficient. Oil consumption is almost undetectable. I was on the fence between a 70hp Johnson 4-stroke and the 90hp Evinrude E-TEC when I made the purchase. The deciding factor was the light weight and additional 20hp. As I sit here today, I would still be on the fence. I love my E-TEC, but finding the correct set-up has been a bit of a hassle. I think I have it for now, so I am very satisfied with the engine...and I still have 2 years and 6 months until my first scheduled maintenance!

posted 08-18-2004 02:30 PM ET (US)            

Thanks for the update...much appreciated...

posted 08-18-2004 03:24 PM ET (US)            

I'm curious about your observation that the vibration at low RPM has gone away on your E-Tec 90. As you may recall, I observed a similar vibration at idle speed (don't remember the RPM range exactly, but probably similar) with my E-Tec 50 on my 15 Sport. It was easy to detect because my GPS unit would shake (and the power/DSC plug would fall out) and my front thwart seat and bow hatch would vibrate.

But I didn't notice this vibration when I had the boat out Sunday. In fact, I did notice *not* noticing it. Either the vibration has gone away or it has diminished on my 50hp E-Tec.

Did your vibration go away on its own, or did its disappearance have anything to do with you trying different props and getting the software upgrade?

I'm not sure that I've zeroed in own my optimal setup (prop, engine height, etc.) because I just haven't had time to fiddle with it like I'd like. When I've had the boat in the water, my wife and baby have been with me, and so there's no opportunity for swapping props (I have three now!), running full throttle or doing speed tests in two directions.

But it's curious that my vibration has diminished.