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code reader
Posted: Feb 21st, '07, 20:13
by scooter28
Guys i'm looking for a code reader to hook up to my marine power 350 efi's. Its the mercruiser gm style computer just wondering if anyone knows of a place to buy one. thanks
Posted: Feb 21st, '07, 20:35
by Skipper Dick
Scooter28,
I use Techmate From Rinda Technologies on my twin Merc Horizons. They have the MEFI 3 ECM.
Their website is
http://www.rinda.com/marine/marine.htm.
Dick
Posted: Feb 22nd, '07, 21:11
by scooter28
thanks how do you like it i'm not quite sure i want to spend 400 bucks on the scanner i may just go with the 40 some dollar code reader. unless you think thats a mistake. haha i believe its the style that just blinks a series of lights.
Posted: Feb 23rd, '07, 08:24
by Bruce
scooter28,
A couple of things.
If you have the service manual where you can translate those flashing led's into faults and then be able to diagnose those faults, most of the time multiple faults, into repairs your golden.
The scanner will allow you to do injector tests and will display the actual code number and description and data the computer sees including fuel burn.
Both will allow you to put the engine in service mode to set base ignition timing.
Now for part 2.
90% of all the gas repairs I do on these engines are still related to the basics; fuel, air, water, battery and corrosion. Something that the computer is useless for.
Had a Merc in the shop that wouldn't start. Showed a bad crank sensor, switched out with a known good one and no go. It turned out to be a harnass issue.
You could go thru a bunch of expenses replacing sensors when most of the time they are fine and the faults are generated by other things.
Most of these components are GM ignition parts that have been in use for 20 years and are very reliable.
Go slowly with your troubleshooting. Most sensors can be measured with a good quality vom meter to double check.