Evinrude E-TEC Overheating (SPN-110)
SPN-110 is the engine over-temperature fault on Evinrude E-TEC engines. When the EMM detects cylinder head temperature above the safe threshold, it reduces power and eventually shuts the engine down to prevent damage. In most cases the root cause is in the cooling system, not the EMM.
What you're seeing
- Warning alarm with reduced power (limp mode)
- SPN-110 in fault log
- Overheat alarm (audible and visual)
- Tell-tale stream weak or absent
- Steam from engine in severe cases
Why this happens
- Blocked water intake (weeds, debris, or barnacles)
- Failed or stuck thermostat
- Worn or damaged water pump impeller
- Blocked tell-tale port or cooling passages
- Faulty engine temperature sensor
Affected engines
Affects all E-TEC outboards. Most common in summer at high engine loads or in weed-heavy water. The E-TEC uses a thermostatically controlled raw-water cooling system — any restriction causes overheating.
How to diagnose step by step
Step 1 — Tell-tale check**
With the engine running, check that the tell-tale stream is strong and continuous. A weak or absent stream indicates restricted water flow.
Step 2 — Thermostat test**
Remove the thermostat and place it in a pot of water. It should begin opening at 60–65 °C and fully open by 75 °C.
Step 3 — Water pump inspection**
Inspect the water pump impeller. A cracked or deformed impeller will not move adequate water volume. Replace if in any doubt — it is a wear item.
Step 4 — Temperature sensor test**
Check the sensor resistance against the temperature chart in the service manual. An out-of-range reading indicates a faulty sensor.
When to call a specialist
This fault is not directly related to the Engine Management Module (EMM), so repair and diagnosis are typically straightforward mechanical or electrical work. However, if your systematic checks eliminate all external causes and the engine still has issues, the EMM may have stored related fault codes worth reviewing.
DIY-friendly
Most of the checks above require only basic tools and are suitable for a competent DIY mechanic.
Read fault codes first
Always read stored fault codes with Evinrude EST or BRP BUDS2 before replacing any parts.
Worldwide support
Our engineers advise customers globally, free troubleshooting call before any commitment.
Document everything
Note down all fault codes, measurements, and what you tried. It saves a lot of time for any specialist.
Stuck? Ask our engineers
If your checks don't point to a clear cause, our Evinrude specialists can help, free of charge, no commitment required.
Free troubleshooting callNo obligation. Worldwide.
How an EMM repair works
You fill in a form and send us the module. We do the rest from our workshop in Nieuwkuijk, in the Netherlands, including the customs paperwork if it comes from outside the EU.
Send us your EMM-
Fill in the repair form
It asks for the engine model, the serial and part number from the sticker on the EMM, and what the engine is doing. A module that tests fine is charged €175 ex VAT for the bench time, so if you are not sure the EMM is at fault, book a free troubleshooting call first.
Book a free troubleshooting call -
Pack it and ship it to us
Inside the EU you can send it with any tracked carrier. From outside the EU it always travels on our DHL Express account: we book the collection and prepare the customs documents, you pack the module and hand it to the driver.
EU: any tracked carrier. Everywhere else: DHL Express.
Shipping and customs by country -
We test it on the bench and repair it
We put it on our test bench under real load to find the fault, repair it at component level, test it again and re-seal it by vulcanizing. If it is beyond repair, the attempt costs you nothing and you pay only the shipping, at cost.
Fixed price: €532 ex VAT for E-TEC 40–90 HP, €596 ex VAT for E-TEC 115–300 HP and Ficht.
Follow your repair online -
Pay the invoice and we ship it back
When the repair is done we send the invoice. Once it is paid, the module goes back by DHL Express, tracked and insured. Most repairs leave the workshop within 1–2 weeks of arriving.
24-month warranty on the whole EMM.
Not sure what's wrong with your EMM?
Book a free troubleshooting call with our engineers. We specialise in EMM-related issues, describe your symptoms and we'll help you pinpoint the problem before you ship anything.
The call is conducted in English.
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No obligation
We talk through your symptoms and give honest advice, no pressure to ship anything.
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Fast response
We respond within one-two business days
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Worldwide
We help customers from the US, Australia, Europe and beyond diagnose their EMM issues remotely.