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 it works
From your front door to ours and back, simple, worldwide.
Step 01 / 05
Submit your EMM
Fill in our quick online form with your engine model, serial number, and symptoms. We review everything before your unit arrives.
Step 02 / 05
Ship to us, stress-free
Inside the EU? You're free to ship it yourself with any local courier. Outside the EU? It's always DHL Express. We arrange door-to-door pickup and handle all the customs paperwork for you.
Step 03 / 05
Sit back while we repair it
We diagnose and repair your EMM with professional equipment. Email updates at every stage. Can't fix it? You pay nothing.
Step 04 / 05
Approve & pay securely
Once your EMM is repaired and tested, you only pay when you're satisfied, via PayPal, credit card, or bank transfer.
Step 05 / 05
We ship it back
Your repaired EMM is packed securely and sent back via DHL Express with full tracking.
Step 01 / 05
Submit your EMM
Fill in our quick online form with your engine model, serial number, and symptoms. We review everything before your unit arrives.
Step 02 / 05
Ship to us, stress-free
Inside the EU? You're free to ship it yourself with any local courier. Outside the EU? It's always DHL Express. We arrange door-to-door pickup and handle all the customs paperwork for you.
Step 03 / 05
Sit back while we repair it
We diagnose and repair your EMM with professional equipment. Email updates at every stage. Can't fix it? You pay nothing.
Step 04 / 05
Approve & pay securely
Once your EMM is repaired and tested, you only pay when you're satisfied, via PayPal, credit card, or bank transfer.
Step 05 / 05
We ship it back
Your repaired EMM is packed securely and sent back via DHL Express with full tracking.
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.
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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.