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Katama vibrations with new ETEC
Elmore	#1  Posted on 09/09/08 - 4:21 PM
Member Posts: 3 Comments: 0 Joined: 08/10/06	I recently repowered my 1974 Katama from the original 70hp to a 90 ETEC with bracket. Currently the dealer has the idle set between 700 to 800 RPM's. The motor has about 4 hours on it. My complaint is that at this idle speed there is signifcant hull vibration and shaking of the entire hull which worsens considerably in reverse gear. This is all weird to me as the old engine did not do this and other friends ETECs from brand new did not do this. Another friend has a 75 ETEC w/bracket on a 1962 Nauset with no vibration. When docking you could mix drinks on the floor from the shakin' going on. The dealer claims the motor is still in "break-in" mode and should improve with 20 hours or so. If not then he will dial the idle down after break in and cure problem. Has anybody had similar problems with ETECs? Appreicate the help and thanks for a great site.
John Fyke	#2  Posted on 09/09/08 - 4:57 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 1307 Comments: 0 Joined: 09/06/06	Odd, brand new motor runs like crap but will get better. I've heard of break in periods but not one like that. Keep us posted. John Fyke Re-Fit or Reef It 1979 15' Sport with Super Sport conversion and 70hp mercury.
scottfarm	#3  Posted on 09/09/08 - 5:07 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 18 Comments: 0 Joined: 11/30/07	Most likely a bent, warped, or out of round unbalanced prop. If not that a bent or out of round drive shaft. 1987 Montauk with 1998 70 hp Johnson. Garmin 545s
ioptfm	#4  Posted on 09/09/08 - 6:41 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 1533 Comments: 3 Joined: 10/28/06	Elmore, don't know how to break this to your dealer, but one thing BRP prides themselves on concerning the ETECS is that there is No Break-in Period...................PERIOD! You can run them wide-ass-open the day it comes out of the box! Edited by ioptfm on 09/09/08 - 6:42 PM Tom 1979 Sport 15'
Elmore	#5  Posted on 09/10/08 - 8:11 AM
Member Posts: 3 Comments: 0 Joined: 08/10/06	Thanks for all the input on this vibration problem at idle in gear. I much appreicate Bob C who is contacting the BRP engineer. This motor was purchased from and installed by an autorized ETEC dealer and this is the place that is telling me it needs more hours to improve? If this has a bent shaft or prop it came from the factory like that as I have not hit anything with it. But that would be an answer if this symtom worsened with speed. The shaking vanishes above 850 or so and at high speed this motor hums. So I am confused and again appreciate any thoughts as bracket connections and fitings all check out too. I bought this motor because of all the good luck others have had with ETECs from the get go. Thanks again for all the help and I will keep everyone posted if something is found.
cyclops	#6  Posted on 09/10/08 - 8:33 AM
Member Posts: 26 Comments: 0 Joined: 11/11/06	Yeah the e-tecs are advertised as no break in period required but the emm is double oiling the motor for a break in period which is based on RPM's and time. My 90 e-tec quieted down after the double oiling period was over. 1967 Eastport 2007 90hp e-tec
kamie	#7  Posted on 09/10/08 - 10:08 AM
Member Personal Page Project Albums Posts: 2975 Comments: 3 Joined: 11/04/05	The in-gear idle speed seems a bit high, unless they just set the larger blocks lower. My in-gear idle on a 175HP is 500RPM's.
PaulTarwater	#8  Posted on 09/10/08 - 11:00 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 140 Comments: 1 Joined: 08/25/07	Could be simple harmonics between the ETEC and the hull. That has happened to two of my boats at certain RPM's. I put some bicycle inner tubes between the bracket/transom and it dampened them to an aceptable level. I could never completely fix it though. You might have to experiment to find your "sweet spot". Paul
duf	#9  Posted on 09/11/08 - 4:04 AM
Member Personal Page Photo Albums Posts: 840 Comments: 9 Joined: 04/22/07	idle on my 225 is 500 rpms as well. Duf
HarleyFXDL	#10  Posted on 09/12/08 - 2:15 AM
Member Personal Page Project Albums Posts: 917 Comments: 30 Joined: 07/24/07	Sounds like your dealer is trying to hold you off for awhile. He might have some other projects that need attention and is hoping you'll come back at a later time.
Derwd24	#11  Posted on 09/12/08 - 3:09 PM
Member Posts: 1607 Comments: 9 Joined: 05/09/07	I'll add that my 200 HO idles at 500 also. Very even and smooth, and when you're just into fwd or reverse gear, no vibrations or even loading of the engine. Makes docking a breeze. This is what your engine should be like regardless of the break in period. I'd recommend pulling the spark plug boots and checking to see if there's an indexing line drawn on the plug and make sure it's in the proper location. Then pull the plugs and check for fowling and proper gap. Clean up (or replace), regap, and index then give it a go. Dave - 1983 Outrage 22
seahorse	#12  Posted on 09/12/08 - 3:56 PM
Member Posts: 103 Comments: 0 Joined: 05/21/06	the V-4 and V-6 Evinrude E-TEC motors have a computer controlled idle of about 500 rpm. The smaller inline twins and 3-cylinders have a dealer adjustable idle that can be varied between a specified rpm range. Without seeing or hearing the motor, you may have a resonance frequency with the boat and rigging, a prop issue, or possibly an erratic idle on your motor. Have the dealer check it over and call the factory tech support center if they need to. You can also call customer service at 847-689-7090 to get you problem on record, and perhaps expedite the process.