Looking for opinions- 04 E-Tec

Looking at an 04 E-Tec 50 HP Tiller to put on a little 16 foot Lund Angler.

Any pros or cons I should be looking out for on this model that I could over look?

Any and all opinions helpful.

Try to get a copy of the service history or any warranty work that was done. Also request a compression test and/or leak down test. I bought an ’05 75hp E-Tec with 100 hours from a private party and it blew a powerhead 3rd trip on the water – later found the same cylinder burned up for the original owner. Evinrude replaced the first powerhead for the original owner but would not even touch mine since it was out of warranty. Was also told that there was no way the damage inside could have been caused by the 5 hours I put on the engine since it went on my boat.

I got burned because I trusted someone and did not fully do my homework, don’t make the same mistake I did. Lot’s of good things about these engines but heard about a lot powerhead issues since I dealt with mine.

Good luck,
Dave

I don’t like to put down products but I honestly haven’t heard or experienced anything positive with the E-Tecs. I had a photographer in my boat this past summer and he said he’s personaly seen two of them on fire while on the water. I’ve only used a few E-Tecs but all were a disappointment. I’m sure there are some ETecs that are trouble free, but if I was spending my cash it’d be on one of the tried and true brands. Probably not what you wanted to here. I hope you find a motor you’ll be happy with.

I have an 04 40 hp. I chose to go with the 40 because it was $600 more to go to the 50 to gain about 3 or 4 miles per hour. I have probably some where around 700 hours on it and have had no problems. Even kept going when I smashed a rock on the Pond. I know there have been some problems with the earlier bigger motors but have not heard much about the recent releases. Good luck in your search.

My experience with a 75hp E tech was not so good either. Had many trips where we had to limp back in on the trolling motor after the main motor would not start. Lots of trips to the shop. As soon as the warranty was up on the motor and the problems had still not been found I dumped the motor. Sure wasnt going to spend my money for the mechanics to keep trying fixes on this motor.

If the motor you are looking at doesnt come with some type of warranty I would look else where.

Guys, thanks for that imput.
Clarance, appreciate the positive about the 40.
I like the idea to have the warrenty service pulled up.
Will do that for sure…may have to punt….

Either you or the seller should have a tech get a print out from the onboard computer for the engine’s ‘history’. The tech should be able to explain any past problems and what might pop up in the near future.

I learned after the fact that there is a TON of info and data that prints out from those computers. I wish I had done this prior to my purchase – my own fault. If the seller is not willing to work with you on this they may be hiding something. Definitely ask for this before you buy.

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Any and all opinions helpful.

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I currently own a 2007 60hp tiller that I purchased new in 2008 (i.e. sole owner). Its been through a few props (including stainless). My largest complaint is that there isn’t a good mechanism for steering tension; it’s simply a small bolt (set screw) that is not adjustable “on the fly.” If there is anybody that has recommendations for potential add-ons for steering tension, I am all ears (well…eyes).

My paticular motor had the lower unit replaced in Fall 2009 (too many trees) and a new powerhead in Winter 2010 (locked up). You feel kind of helpless when your motor seizes up on you, several miles from a boat landing in December.

I must admit, it’s fairly conservative on fuel, especially when the pistons don’t move.

Fortunately Evinrude has a good warranty and the service guys have been good.

I can attest that my motor has see a considerable amount of abuse for being a new machine. Most of the time, it handled everything I put it through.