hey im looking at buying a boat and the motor is a 2004 90hp Etec. is anyone running this engine or have any comments about etec’s fuel economy or if they are cold blooded or what? any comments would be greatly appreciated!
PM Sent. The 90 HP Etecs are very fuel efficient and start at the turn of a key. Ask for the engine report printout and run XD100 oil in it.
E-tecs have probably the highest powerhead failure rate of any outboard built in the last 5 yrs. Your money will be better spent on a 4 stroke that will give a far longer usable lifespan and do not require $40+ a gal oil.
E-Tec = old tech with good infomercials
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E-tecs have probably the highest powerhead failure rate of any outboard built in the last 5 yrs.
To each their own………………….
My dad has a E Tec 90 hp. We fish a lot together and run that motor hard. After owning a 2 stroke Johnson and a 115 Suzki hands down the E tec out performs the mentioned motors in my opinion. It is great! A computer that can tell you whats wrong. The motor has tons of power! Pulls my beefy frame out of the water to ski. Of course it is mounted on my favorite boat Alumacraft.
The myth that they use a ton of oil is B.S. if we burn a full tank for a season we are really hitting it hard. We do carry one for backup but the motor will never let you run out. it is programed to reduce power and shut off in the event it runs out! It also can be winterized in about a minute!
Check it out I love that motor!!!
I had a 2005 90 HP Etec tiller. When it ran it ran good. I had it in the shop 4 times for various things, including it needing 3 new lower units and the last time it wouldn’t idle. I ran the XD 100 oil. The motor had a good hole shot and trolled very good. However, I lost 2 mph on the top end from the previous 90 HP Merc two stroke I had on it.
I have talked to some guys that haven’t had one problem with their Etecs and others that have issues as did I.
Good luck with your decision.
Quote:
E-tecs have probably the highest powerhead failure rate of any outboard built in the last 5 yrs. Your money will be better spent on a 4 stroke that will give a far longer usable lifespan and do not require $40+ a gal oil.
E-Tec = old tech with good infomercials
Got any stats to back that up? Most people that make claims like that never seem to have anything to back it up. There are good motors and bad motors from every manufacturer, both 2 strokes and 4 strokes.
Don’t rule out any motor based on one person’s opinion.
Amen to that Mendotaeye, Talk is cheap. One thing I can tell you after talking to a E-Tec Maintainence Service Rep. It is crucial to stick with the manufacturers recommended oil,the viscositys for the XD 50 & XD 100 are different and are programmed for that motor. Don’t, and I speak from experience use other oils, Amzoil, penzoil, Etc. regardless if they are 100% synthetic as the viscositys are different, you’re asking for trouble……… 
I have to agree whole heartedly with James. If anyone out there is under the misconception that there is a “PERFECT” motor on the market, you are definitely someones “Huckelberry” . The one over riding factor is how good your dealer mechanic is.. Period! 
Last spring I purchased a 2004 618T w 90 hp ETECH. That 90 is by far one of the best motors I’ve owned (previously owned motors, Johnson 35, 40, 135, Yamaha 60, 150, 225F, T8 (x3), Etech 9.9, 225HO, 250HO, 90)
Sips oil and gas, has major holeshot power, quiet and no exhaust fumes.
But if someone can lead me to that “perfect” motor that’ll be my next one…..
Good luck with whatever motor you go with…
Kurt
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