One thing we have noticed is that diagnosing and solving problems with an E-TEC can be different from troubleshooting earlier 2-strokes.

Perhaps this is to be expected with any new technology, but it can lead to frustrated consumers if the repairs take too long. Here are a couple of examples:

• Our "Check Engine" - low voltage problem
  
  If you review the Toy Boat 2 Vessel Log, you'll find that we had a problem with the "Check Engine" alarm coming on a lot, then the engine failing. Not once, but twice.
  
  Analysis of the engine's internal electronic logs showed that the alarm was due to a "Low Voltage" condition. This lead to an assumption that the problem was with the electrical system, even though the computer diagnostics said that the stator and wiring harness were fine.
  
  As it turns out, the real problem was a rusted fuel pump caused by salt water in the fuel. When the pump stuck, it drew a lot of current trying to get un-stuck, which in turn dropped the internal engine voltage enough to trigger the alarm.
  
  Early on, the fuel pump would work itself free, and the motor would start. Eventually, the pump would rust enough to be completely stuck, preventing the motor from starting.
  
  

• Powerboat Report's engine rattle was a similar situation.  
  
  Clearly the BRP service support technicians were unsure on what to do to fix the rattle, so they replaced the powerhead. They were obviously trying to resolve the problem quickly, hang the cost...but in the end it turned out to be simply a pinched fuel hose.

Consumers are also going to have to do some paradigm-shifting. We've run across a couple of discussion threads where people complained about excessive plug wear and / or engine loading on E-TECs when they were run at low speeds for extended periods of time.

Rather than go back to the dealer or BRP, they just assumed it was the usual low-speed 2-stroke plug fouling issue. In fact, the plug replacements are covered under warranty, and the problem is actually not with the plugs, but with the EMM software.  

We anticipate that there will be some thrashing around as service technicians and owners discover the nuances of living with E-TECs. But they should be relatively minor issues.