2004 Evinrude 115

Prophammer

Chief Petty Officer
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Jul 2, 2010
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473
I'm thinking about buying a 2004 bowrider with a Evinrude 115 on it. Is the 2004 Evinrude 115 going to give me nightmares riddled with FITCH problems ?
 

Crosbyman

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Nov 5, 2006
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the ETEC is a complex machine but....complex as it is my 2005 75hp still purrs and runs prefectly.. that said here are a few items to consider

  • the injector style of the early etecs are very hard to find should you ever need one or more. Any injector replacement comes with a coefficient file replacement process which is complex but can be done by the user who is ok with computer technology
  • Owning a ETEC should come with having the software to do or check things out if problems creep up (EV diagnosti software is sold by dealers or AMAZON) . EV Diag run on a windows 10-11 laptop
  • https://docs.google.com/document/d/16BAQLd2i43h30MTOuWJ0-T6_DO9wX5yK5MzOOunwzUk/edit
  • before you buy you need to get a PDF report of the EMM stored fault codes to see if any are active or... historically cause for concern and I suggest you go to the ETEC owners board to post it and ask for expert comments .
  • https://www.etecownersgroup.com/latest
  • a good test run seems a necessity to me.
  • check the engine out for years of abuse or TLC
  • check gear oil for water contamination ...NEW OR CLEAN oil may hide a problem to !
  • ETEC is not a FICHT but it is complex in nature . Some users report run time hours in the 2-3000hrs . The PDF printout will tell you run hrs
  • injector cleaning requires special epqt. but shops do it with detailled performance report ( ASK on the ETEC board)
  • can't cover everything so up to you to decide....and get a new impeller !
 

Prophammer

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Jul 2, 2010
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473
Thanks for the reply - I ended up getting a Key West center console with a 115 Yamaha fourstroke - I got scared of the 115 ETec I was looking at!
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
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Mar 25, 2004
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Gee, isn't the 4 stroker just as complex as a 2 cycle DI motor? Don't they both have computer control, plus tons of sensors, just like a modern auto engine?

It is not a B&S lawnmower.
 

Crosbyman

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agree but... would you buy a 20 year old engine with " harder" to find injectors and unknown history. Don't get me wrong my 2005 has run great for 18 years but 2024 is coming up and as years go by... the future is uncertain.
My 2 stroke kickers (small Mercs or OMC) from the 60's always come along :)
 

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Chris1956

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Mar 25, 2004
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I was just pointing out that the complexities of both engines are significant and the OP's fear of an eTEC should apply to the 4 cycle motor as well.

The 4 cycle Yammies are real popular around here. They run great, however, I do not know of anyone who has one that takes off the cowling to do any maintenance himself.
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 28, 2013
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38,411
I have a 2005 Yamaha 4 stroke 90 HP.----Got it free as it was tossed out by Mercury dealer.------Had a 1976 Evinrude 15 dropped off yesterday for parts.---Also free.
 

saltchuckmatt

Commander
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Jul 19, 2019
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2,811
The Yamaha's have known corrosion issues. Lots of anodes trying to keep those engines from rotting out. IMHO, aluminum is not as good.

I'd still probably take one over a ficht motor though however I do own an e-tec....it's my second one.
 

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