Evinrude E-Tec Spark Plugs

[Pete Collin]

Hello All,

I have an odd dilemma with my main motor.  I like to fog the cylinders for the winter.  But one of the spark plugs (the bottom one) is located in a space where it is incredibly tough to get a wrench down there.  All I could manage was to get a crescent wrench in the tight space and do little 1/8 turns at a time.  First time I actually broke the ceramic part of the plug.  Was never sure if I tightened the replacement properly.  Is there some special Evinrude wrench for this task?

Pete

[Bozeman Bob]

Not familiar with your exact set up . On my 4 stroke in order to change the oil filter , which is lower than the bottom spark plug , I have to remove about 6 screws that hold that shroud in place . Maybe yours is like that . Or a deep offset box wrench may work . Or Google it and see what comes up . 

[guffins fisherman]

Don’t E-Tec’s have a winterize function on them?  If so, do you still need to fog the cylinders?

[Pete Collin]

I went through the rigamarole you're supposed to do with the starter to send oil through the system. Never worked for me. So I fog the cylinders and call it good.  By the way, I found a combination of tools that got the offending plug out. 

[sherman brown]

On 10/23/2024 at 6:20 AM, Pete Collin said:

Hello All,

I have an odd dilemma with my main motor.  I like to fog the cylinders for the winter.  But one of the spark plugs (the bottom one) is located in a space where it is incredibly tough to get a wrench down there.  All I could manage was to get a crescent wrench in the tight space and do little 1/8 turns at a time.  First time I actually broke the ceramic part of the plug.  Was never sure if I tightened the replacement properly.  Is there some special Evinrude wrench for this task?

Pete

the plug should be a 5/8 or a 13/16 but you could see what size the other plugs are. once you know the correct size go on eBay and search for an EL ratchet wrench of the size you need. but you may end up needing to buy a full set that has the size you need. but you need to know the length of the wrench to know if it's long enough to reach the plug. if the end sticks up close to the top of the cowling you can always use a short piece of pipe over the wrench. i did find a few sets with the 5/8 and 13/16 in the set search for 115590764339 or 146164212490 or do a search for sae flex head long ratchet wrench set. i didn't see the length but they are longer than the standard length wrenches.,

[mr 580]

After running an Evinrude ETEC for 16 years here's my thoughts on plugs.  BRP Evinrude called for the spark plugs to be indexed to the injectors which requires some time, and some plugs won't index so you have to shuffle the position.  Based on that alone my suggestion is to learn the built in fogging procedure.  I kept a copy of the steps on a clip by my toolbox- once you are used to doing it the process is quite simple and fast.  I also found that my ETEC liked plugs so changing plugs every two or three years is required.  If you see issues at idle or low rpms change plugs.  Proper plug indexing and use of correct plugs will help with life.  Proper torque is also needed as the threads in the head can strip easily and a dab of never seize is a good idea.