Been looking at getting a 2020/21 ski doo 600 e-tec next fall. Have run Yamaha 4 strokes for the last decade. I don’t ride a ton just want something to tool around and go out to the fish house. I’m old. Looking at a 137”. How are those motors for reliability? Im not very mechanical so fixing issues is not my thing. I worry that it will melt down and then it will cost me bunches to fix. Any insight others can offer?
New 600 e-tec reliability
- Thread starter mnuser
- Start date
600 Etecs are the utmost reliable. Stellar fuel economy!
I have not. How different is it from the Ski Doo 600 e-tec? I like the idea of saving money a lot!
gogebic_sledder
Member
600 etec could be considered most reliable 2 stroke ever . I have a 2010 that runs as good as the day I bought it new
That is what I like to hear. I'm leaning toward that sled and I will look at the EFI version as well. I see the EFI is 85 HP vs. the 125 HP of the e-tec. I would guess I would put 300-400 miles a winter at max.
No it is a reality with e tec .
600s have a better rep than the 800s .
Now the most reliable 600 ever is laughable to say the least but a solid motor .
If looking at the doo I really would look at the new sports for what you are using it for . A bud got one recently for his wife I was impressed with it . Would I buy it for me . No but would I buy it for a wife/friend/, backup sled for sure
I've had 0 problems with the Iso-Flex lubed bearings. 4 sleds 10K + to 14K + untouched miles. Many friends with Doo's also the same. If in doubt Fett Bros sold a relube kit?
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I agree, the 2nd Gen 600R Etec is a fantastic engine. Hard to believe they could improve on the 1st Gen Etec, but did. 600 Etec's are said to be the most widely sold sled engine as they are used in so many applications. Per Snow Tech?
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goofy600
Well-known member
I have put at least 3 etech 600’s over 10,000 miles with no bearing problems. I think what you heard was what everyone thought was going to be a problem. First etech I owned was 09 and at 7950 miles 4 years old had engine pull apart being a 2-stroke and there was nothing wrong inside. Did have it rebuilt because it was apart but that is the last one I’ve had apart still have a 2013 with over 11,000 and have no fear of running it on long rides.
Agree, I know of 2 guys in the UP who put 18K plus on their 600 SDI's. None of my riding friends have had any failures with their 600 Etech's. Many of them with big miles. Doo sells way too many snowmobiles, for many years to have a problem such as this. The Iso-Flex lubed Rotax engines have been in Doo sleds for 22 years now.
Thanks folks. I think I will look into a new e-tec in the Fall. Given how much use it will get it will be a perfect buy for some lucky sole in the future. I can retire in 4 years so maybe then it will get more use. I live really close to the trail in MN so if I find a couple other "old" guys to join me maybe I will ride more. I had a Nytro a couple years ago and hit an ice heave on it and rolled it and tore my bicep from the bone and had to have surgery. No more super, heavy sleds for me. That thing was a beast to get back on the track with one bum arm.
Perhaps so? However I doubt it, as the Etech's get no fuel into the crankcase, as being Direct Injection. Please recap on the actual cause?
toddspolaris
Member
some get lucky with no preventative maintenance to the crank bearings, we've been adding isoflex grease with special tooling we made to add some grease every 4000 miles or whatever suits the owner, never have had any failures on many many motors we've done, definately let us know what they find
No problem with what you're doing. Other dealers also did this on the big bore 800 carb engines. As the 800's were the engines where most all of the Iso-Flex lubed crank bearing failure/issue occurred.
That is impossible e tec are the best most reliable ever lmfao.