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Possible upgrade to Etec - Thoughts?

K

kevinj

Advanced Contributor
I currently have a '96 Intruder 150 on my boat (E150GLEDB). The boat is rated for a max 175HP. The current motor runs fine (100PSI on all 6 cylinders) and the lower unit is fine, but it's also 24 years old. I can certainly maintain it and if I had a major internal issue I could install a reman power head and keep on going.

I've done some searching and found pretty good deals on a few Gen 1 Etecs which got me thinking if I should upgrade to newer technology. I have options of a used, very low hour 2016 150HO, a new 2020 150, or a New/old stock 2016 175. The Gen1 motors should connect directly with my existing wiring harness and System Check gauge so rigging will be minimal. I like the idea of the Etec for reduced fuel consumption, less oil burning and I think the Etec will have better torque than my existing motor.

I'd like to hear thoughts on the Etec vs my older motor. With my existing motor in running shape I could probably sell it and get a decent amount to apply toward the purchase of the new motor. Obviously I'd still be paying out a good chunk and I'm just wondering if the benefits justify the costs. Am I wasting money replacing a running motor with a new one, or is it a good idea to proactively upgrade to newer technology?

Lemme know what you think.

KJ
 
IMHO, I'd keep what I have as long as it's running good. You'll never know what kind of probs those new motors can have until you own one.
 
I wont own another Junkrude DFI...maybe a Yammy or Merc. If mine I would find the plates and carbs off a 175 and upgrade the HP...JMO
 
Any good for my boat? My 115 is tired. Just thinking about what Kevin is doing but I feel like stepping back to simpler technology. Heard that this vintage Max is good . Wife found a complete boat for $650. Motor looks mint, boat rough...old 21 foot Aluminum StarCraft.
 
Old 1st Gen Block,non power ported,old style trim useing hollow bolts as transfer tubes,9 amp stator,totally different Merc wiring harness as has microswitches in control box to activate the reverse lock on trim pump,uses preload gearset, has pin shift like a I-line, has butterfly choke and makes it power at 5200-5500RPM and is only about 140HP at prop. Hardest starting motor out there if you don't know the tricks to start it.
 
faztbullet said:
I wont own another Junkrude DFI...maybe a Yammy or Merc. If mine I would find the plates and carbs off a 175 and upgrade the HP...JMO
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Any particular reasons you don't like the Etec DFI? Reliability, repair....?

I remember reading the blocks of the 150 and 175 were identical. After I read your post I looked at the parts page for GL model 150 and 175 and it does show different part numbers for the throttle body and carb body. I would guess that's mostly diameter for more air flow and it looks like the main jet is a .070" on the 175 with the 150 having a 0.069". The 150 is a bit of a fuel pig so my guess is if I were to put on throttle body and carbs from a 175 that will get worse. Power takes fuel, so that's no surprise.

I found the throttle bodies on Ebay pretty easily. The 175 carb body (part#0437292) is harder to find. Do you know of any boneyard sources for these? I don't have any near me and I'm not really sure where to look.

KJ
 
timguy said:
How about a 1978 Black Max?
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My experience with Black Max is they rev like a banshee and make power way up in the RPM range. Also, they are cold natured monsters. At the boat ramp you can always tell it's Merc when you hear that start spinning like a top, over and over, then it finally belches to life.

I'm not saying they're bad engines, but they definitely have their quirks.

KJ
 
kevinj said:
My experience with Black Max is they rev like a banshee and make power way up in the RPM range. Also, they are cold natured monsters. At the boat ramp you can always tell it's Merc when you hear that start spinning like a top, over and over, then it finally belches to life.

I'm not saying they're bad engines, but they definitely have their quirks.

KJ
Click to expand...

Question! Why would you purchase an engine, a two stroke engine, from a company that will probably be gone in the next five-seven years?...
From what I understand, they do not have a four stroke line in the works....

Volvo Penta has even jumped into bed with 7marine. They will need an OB line to survive, a four stroke outboard line.

Look at all the E225 engines out there headed to the scrap yard because the carb bowls are NLA.....
 
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