E-Tec problem?

Dry Run · 23 April 2013, 11:41

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has had a problem with the plastic engine casing on their E-Tec? As the photo shows, the bolt (at the front of the engine just below the cowl) that holds the plastic "leg casings" together has split the plastic. I believe this needs to be taken apart when servicing in order to get to the lower cylinder and I wondered if anyone had encountered a similar problem (or is it just me)?

Thanks for any input.

PeterM · 23 April 2013, 11:49

Over tightened maybe ? caused a crack which spread ?

gotchiguy · 23 April 2013, 12:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterM

Over tightened maybe ? caused a crack which spread ?

Does look like that. You can see where the raised section the bolt is threaded into has raised up, the crack is parallel to the rubber seal above. Perhaps it was lifted up by over tightening.

willk · 23 April 2013, 12:19

I don't think that these can be overtightened that way. Maybe the mech forgot to remove that screw and tried to prise the casing off?

Pikey Dave · 23 April 2013, 13:19

It's a common problem. The cowls are so snug fitting, if you don't get the 2 halves mated correctly & try to draw them together using the screws, the plastic cracks. Both of mine have been like that from new & haven't got any worse.

kerny · 23 April 2013, 13:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

I don't think that these can be overtightened that way. Maybe the mech forgot to remove that screw and tried to prise the casing off?

If thats the case then the mechanic or company are liable, surely.

willk · 23 April 2013, 13:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

It's a common problem. The cowls are so snug fitting, if you don't get the 2 halves mated correctly & try to draw them together using the screws, the plastic cracks. Both of mine have been like that from new & haven't got any worse.

Good point - if the mating surfaces weren't in contact - that would certainly happen. I'd not considered the idea of someone being brutal enough to try it....

Dry Run · 23 April 2013, 14:12

Thanks for the replies. I guess over-tightening / incorrect alignment was to blame, but not looking to "play the blame game", just interested if anyone else had seen that problem (thanks PD).

Hightower · 23 April 2013, 14:20

I have a Evinrude DI and the case screws are different lengths. If you put a long screw into a short thread and wasn't aware, then you'd quite easily jack the casing away at the bottom of the thread and that's what it would look like if you did. It's pure incompetence on the part of the person who put it together.

Rokraider · 23 April 2013, 15:35

If they have used an impact wrench (Battery or air) to save time and the incorrect length screw, it would probably end up like that.
It is commonplace to use a battery drill or suchlike, if you have a lot of bolts to do. If the clutch slip is set too high, it will easily break plastic.