Etec Corrosion.

Mollers · 13 July 2009, 17:56

I was told today (by a Mercruiser agent

) that Etecs are very prone to corrosion. He said to remove the leg cowls on mine and check, as an employee of his had big problems with his Etec 90. Anyone else heard of, or experienced similar problems?

Chris · 13 July 2009, 20:25

I took both sides of my lower cowl off and sprayed loads of corrosion guard around the leg and bolts. I don't think its considered a major problem though. Some of the early ones may have suffered however I think it was mainly the smaller blocks perhaps explaining his 90 problems.

While you're at it its worth greasing the small bolts that hold the two halves of the cowl together with triple guard as these can sieze and if you then damage the cowl removing them its fecking expensive to replace.

Also the bolts that hold the lower unit onto the leg can sieze mainly due to the engine not needing a dealer visit for 3 years and its recommended to remove these one at a time then refit with grease on.

outboardtech · 13 July 2009, 20:29

I service ETEC Outboards all the time and to be HONEST they are one of the better Outboards out there that dont have a corrosion problem . Dont get me wrong they all have there Corrosion problems believe me and have seen other brands alot worse than an ETEC here in the UK AND USA . Sure if the anodes dont get replaced and all the earth straps not greased and checked every year then YES it will corrode . So will any other outboard . My opinion ETEC engines are pretty good and their paint job is aswell . Cheers baz

Chris · 13 July 2009, 20:39

Hi Baz,

Got my nodding e-tec problem sorted. Top mounts were shot and must have been from new as its always done it. Had 200HP ones fitted now as they are harder.

Cheers

Mollers · 13 July 2009, 23:08

All sounds good. Thanks.

bedajim · 14 July 2009, 07:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

Hi Baz,

Got my nodding e-tec problem sorted. Top mounts were shot and must have been from new as its always done it. Had 200HP ones fitted now as they are harder.

Cheers

Didn't stick the rest of the 200 hp bits on at the same time then

Chris · 14 July 2009, 08:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by bedajim

Didn't stick the rest of the 200 hp bits on at the same time then

No I think I will hold out until funds allow the 200HO

Mollers · 20 July 2009, 18:16

Removed the leg cowl today and did find a couple signicant 'rubs' on the leg which were through to bare aluminium. As ours receives 'kidglove' treatment (lots of freshwater after use and lives indoors), the 'rubs' were not corroding.

However, we prepped the exposed areas, etch primed and over-painted them. We then dremelled a mill or so of GRP off of the return on the cowl. This area is completely hidden and will hopefully prevent contact between the GRP and the painted ally leg.

I'm not sure how these areas would've looked if the boat had lived on a swinging mooring for the last 12 months.

Sorry for spouting forth on matters Etec, not having 'Font' status myself.