I am also still trying to
figure out how an Etec injector works. The Ficht used a metal rod driven
by an external solenoid. What is the difference in Etec? Got a patent
number or two?

del cecchi


Hi Del,

It's been a long time.

Check out Patent No.6398511 B1. It works like an audio speaker where a pulse
of current makes the "armature" move forward, then an opposite pulse stops
it and returns the "armature" to its home position. Unlike the FICHT
injector, it does not depend on springs to return it to start its cycle all
over again. It still is a "linear motor" attached to a pump, but according
to the factory folks, it is not only more precise in delivery and supposidly
operational up to 10,000 rpm, but it can "pump" more fuel in a shorter time
frame so higher horsepower motors are possible. That is why Yamaha has to
use such high pressures, now up to 1000 psi, is to flow enough fuel in the
short amount of time it has between exhaust port closing and igntion. They
still have to start fuel injection before the exhaust is closed and that is
why they cannot meet 2008 emission specs, but only the 2006 ones..

From what I understand, OMC was working on this years back and now
Bombardier has the resources to get it into production. It is a Bombardier
patent and is not infringing on any Ficht family patents so they do not have
to use the FICHT name.

I haven't gotten to see or play with one yet but reports from the field
testers say the E-TECH idles very slow and doesn't even ripple the water
because it is so smooth. Time will tell when the production models roll off
the line next month. According to Bombardier, by next year's model
introduction, they will be the first company to have all their motors meet
2008 emission limits.

I did watch a 3hp rope start E-TECH run 2 years ago. Carbureted small hp
4-strokes can't meet the more stringent emission levels, but E-TECH can.

Bill Grannis
service manager