OMC 351 h.o. ECA problems?????

[finneri]

1994 351 high output efi #58FBDPMDA. Hooked up a computer to read eec trouble codes; came up with codes that are related to ford car!!!(3 digits, should be 2 digits). My mechanic says this means a wrong eca was installed so the engine runs in "base mode". It runs rich and a little irregular. I am a little confused to the fact there are different words used for this parts; eca module, ecm, ecu, eec etc. Whats the difference???? And wich module do I need to replace??? Where could I find a eca module(if thats what I need), I hate to pay $1000 for a new one at doug russel!!!

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC 351 h.o. ECA problems?????

I'm not sure who's fault it is, but that little computer that controls all the EFI functions is called different things by Merc, Volvo, Ford, and GM. For us poor ole techs that have to keep up with the terminology, it can become a blur, but it's still the same thing. On the MD model that you have the part number for the ECA as Volvo wants to call it is 3854890-1. Now that is only the number, and it doesn't mean you need or doen't need that part. None of us here can see, check or otherwise troubleshoot your system. <br />Now, if your dealer says you need the part and he says to order it, let him order it and install it. If it doesn't fix the problem, then he is out the money, not you.<br />I'll tell you strait up, you order a computer, ECM, ECU, EEC, what ever you want to call it, it's yours, no return, no warrenty on electrical parts.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: OMC 351 h.o. ECA problems?????

Sage advice, Don S........& Take your time, on the real issue ......This is why I like carbs....You can buy a new one for much le$$.....And you don't need to be a rocket scientist to make it work.....E.F.I. is great for cars, but carbs have & will work for a long time. Especially for marine use. I'm questioning why the boat manufacturers are making engine/set-ups that are un-necessary & very difficult for the average boater...Don will get you the answers you need if you supply him with the proper input....JK

 

[finneri]

Re: OMC 351 h.o. ECA problems?????

Thanks guys, I guess I'll just let my mechanic deal with this one!!!!

 

[DJ]

Re: OMC 351 h.o. ECA problems?????

nashboat,<br /><br />That is a Ford ECM (Electronic Control Module). Later called a PCM (Powertrain Control Module). You have the previous. And yes, it is a derivitive of EEC IV (Electronic Engine Control-4) system design.<br /><br />They were never designed to work like a car ECM. Thus, they will throw strange codes when hooked up to a car/truck diagnostic system. The simple reason is that a marine engines NEVER get to the same temperatures as a car. They ALWAYS run in open loop.<br /><br />The only advantage of inboard/I/O fuel injection systems was user freindliness, ie: quick starts, etc.<br /><br />You never said what condition you were trying to troubleshoot.<br /><br />ECM failure is VERY rare. Most issues are due to a sensor ground or ECM ground. Don't let your "guy" replace anything without checking the basics.

 

[finneri]

Re: OMC 351 h.o. ECA problems?????

I pulled the ecm out and it has severak numbers on it(none wich looks like omc number):<br />"EEC-IV EFI-SD44E F3TF-12A650-DA M19338 R3ESE44M10 0231-1354", this a remanufactured Ford ecm. What do you guys think, is this the wrong one?????? I found a guy that has a used one, 50 hrs he said, for $500.

 

[olbuddyjack]

Re: OMC 351 h.o. ECA problems?????

It may be the right one, hard to say, depends on what Ford was giving OMC for motors that day.<br />The Ford part number(F3TF-12A650-DA)says its for a 93 Ford truck.<br />I would think it should be for a medium/heavy truck or industrial(code H or J)but Ford may not use that designation on ECMs(no code listed for marine).<br />Whats the numbers on the $500 one?

 

[finneri]

Re: OMC 351 h.o. ECA problems?????

I talked to a guy at french creek marina that said he could get it reprogrammed to work on this motor, it shure would be cheaper. But I guess I probably should go to a Ford dealer and see if they could tell me what this is for and if it works right!!!???

 

[Friz]

Re: OMC 351 h.o. ECA problems?????

Originally posted by nashboat:<br /> But I guess I probably should go to a Ford dealer and see if they could tell me what this is for and if it works right!!!???

I'll bet dollars to doughnuts that a Ford car mechanic won't know unless he is also a boat mechanic. The first thing you will be asked is the make, model and year of the CAR.

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC 351 h.o. ECA problems?????

Originally posted by nashboat:<br /> I talked to a guy at french creek marina that said he could get it reprogrammed to work on this motor, it shure would be cheaper. But I guess I probably should go to a Ford dealer and see if they could tell me what this is for and if it works right!!!???

We HAD a place up here that used the same line of BS, until they finally found out the Ford dealer and the Ford ECU's (ECM ECWhatevers) were VolvoPenta Marine, not Ford automotive. There are computer hacks everywhere you look. Finding one that can reprogram OEM engine computers and making things work properly is a completely different thing.