Anyone using a Boat ECm for the waterproofness?

**climber8483** · 10-29-2013

I'm putting TBI on my Land Cruiser which is a mostly off road rig and so being fairly waterproof is important. I thought I had read somewhere in the last few years about people using the ECM from a Mercruiser since it's waterproof. Anyone know about this? Anyone know about programming it? If not any suggestions for making the TBI ECM more waterproof?

Thanks,
Brittain

**Buzz** · 10-29-2013

Most Marine controllers, along with some GMPP controllers, used MEFI type programming - which is not readable / editable by "popular" aftermarket tuning softwares.

As an example, the new COPO Camaro ("Camaro in white" - off road use only) uses MEFI 5 software - loaded into an E67 controller.

There is MEFI tuning software available from the aftermarket.

**bobdec** · 10-29-2013

Most ECM/PCM's can stand up to occasional spraying, also can be mounted up high inside (under dash ??) if you extend the harness.. Depends on how rough your interior is.. . You can look at prices here http://www.mefiburn.com/sc/details.asp?item=mefitune They seem to do all the MEFI 1-5 ECM's . $200.00 for a mailorder tune $600.00 for DIY software. If you look close it's Scanmaster .xdf templates and I think if you could find the marine .adx for you engine TunerPro RT can get to the MEFI 1-5's as they are all GM based. What engine are you putting into the Land Cruiser. Easier would be to fabricate a waterproof ECM/PCM enclosure with some high- dry ducts, maybe a small fan cooling.

**1project2many** · 10-29-2013

Can Tunerpro flash MEFI? Does it flash the LT1??

I used a MEFI 2 on my Chevelle several years ago. It didn't have correct settings with the marine programming and went into overtemp protection mode at 160 deg F. With reprogramming it worked well enough.

**EagleMark** · 10-29-2013

TunerPro will not flash LT1, you need WinFlash from TunerCat.

There are a couple ECM that are waterproof under hood but most are MPFI. There is one for TBI but only one injector driver... one barrel. Dave was working on this and thought it would be a great improvement to the TBI Off Road Systems! Not sure he ever finished?

Many guys have gotten away with no issues even dealing with wet deep water conditions. Mounting up high under dash is a good idea. Some have used Tupperware or a sealed box.

Unless your planning or fording and being under water? It's doable!

The MEFI stuff would be cool! But that's some pricey stuff!

**steveo** · 10-30-2013

i work a lot with electronics that have to survive the salt water

many of the marine ECMs and other electronics i deal with at work (although they're fixed map mitsubishi stuff, mostly) are manufactured with a hole in them or an open back which is filled with silicone or maybe neoprene. never see them die...

should be pretty easy to pop the thing open, and pour something non-conductive all over it.

**1project2many** · 10-30-2013

The MEFI 2 controller has some clear, rubbery goo covering everything. They use connectors similar to the Vortec and LT1 pcm's. Can you get clear polyurethane? That would fill an ecm case very quickly.

**mikew** · 10-30-2013

The 1227727 can do saturated or peak hold injectors and is waterproof. With a minor modification you can do two peak hold injectors.

I run a 1227727 "under hood" ECU with two separate throttle bodies, each with a 72# injector that are running "peak/hold".

Each injector gets the proper 4 amp peak and 1 amp hold (total of 8 amp peak and 2 amp hold, within the ECU's specs). I have many years and many miles on the same ECU without any issues.

The two "Injector Ground" connections on the 1227727 ECU (pins D06 and D07) are connected together on the "ground side" of the injector driver inside the ECU.

For saturated injectors you'd connect D06 and D07 to ground and about 8 amps would flow with 8 saturated injectors connected.

With peak/hold injectors you'd connect D06 and D07 to D05, the Injector Sense pin, which runs through a .1 ohm resistor to ground inside the ECU and results in a 4 amp peak 1 amp hold.

What I did was connect D06, Injector Ground to D05, Injector Sense and then the trick... connect D07 to a 2 watt .1 ohm resistor that is connected to ground. Now I get an 8 amp peak and 2 amp hold, perfect for two parallel peak/hold injectors!

**dave w** · 10-30-2013

Originally Posted by mikew

The 1227727 can do saturated or peak hold injectors and is waterproof. With a minor modification you can do two peak hold injectors.

I run a 1227727 "under hood" ECU with two separate throttle bodies, each with a 72# injector that are running "peak/hold".

Each injector gets the proper 4 amp peak and 1 amp hold (total of 8 amp peak and 2 amp hold, within the ECU's specs). I have many years and many miles on the same ECU without any issues.

The two "Injector Ground" connections on the 1227727 ECU (pins D06 and D07) are connected together on the "ground side" of the injector driver inside the ECU.

For saturated injectors you'd connect D06 and D07 to ground and about 8 amps would flow with 8 saturated injectors connected.

With peak/hold injectors you'd connect D06 and D07 to D05, the Injector Sense pin, which runs through a .1 ohm resistor to ground inside the ECU and results in a 4 amp peak 1 amp hold.

What I did was connect D06, Injector Ground to D05, Injector Sense and then the trick... connect D07 to a 2 watt .1 ohm resistor that is connected to ground. Now I get an 8 amp peak and 2 amp hold, perfect for two parallel peak/hold injectors!

I'm wondering which 1227727 definition is being used for "peak/hold"?

dave w

**mikew** · 10-30-2013

Peak/hold or saturated is a function of how the electronics drive the injector, the definition simply tells the driver electronics to turn on the injector for xxx microseconds. Which means any definition for the 1227727 will work with either kind of injector.

Now are there minor differences in on/off characteristics between the different kinds of injector, sure but pretty insignificant compared to all the other variables.

**Playtoy_18** · 10-30-2013

I have two part polyurethane onhand for making bushings when needed.
i can post up the name of the stuff if needed.

**climber8483** · 10-30-2013

The engine is the Toyota 2F (Straight 6 4.2L). I guess for now I'll go with mounting high and filling with polyurethane. I can always carry a "spare" ECM as they barely cost anything at pull-n-save.

Thanks,
Brittain

**1project2many** · 10-30-2013

mikew, I believe dave w is asking which definition file, or mask, are you using. $8D? $58? Something else?

Also, would you mind providing information about the engine configuration?

**dave w** · 10-30-2013

Here is a link the thread I started on using the 1227727 with two TBI injectors (it's about 14 pages with lots of good information): http://www.gearhead-efi.com/Fuel-Inj...ECM%29-for-TBI

The primary focus of my tread was to operate two TBI injectors with the 1227727 without any internal mods inside the ECM or use of custom code / definitions / masks. I realize these constraints would limit the possibilities, options, or success. The '427 Memcal is a promising option for the 1227727, and needs more R&D. $8D would the definition of choice, because it's the most supported.

I've also started a tread using the 1228708 ECM for two TBI injectors, and again keeping to the constraints of no internal mods inside the ECM or use of custom code / definitions / or maks. http://www.gearhead-efi.com/Fuel-Inj...ECM-8B-for-TBI

Myself and / or other members will independently verify technical information we find posted here or on other forms. For example, I've verified the '0411 PCM operating a SBC with parts I designed: http://www.gearhead-efi.com/Fuel-Inj...ll-Block-Chevy

In my humble opinion, the 12200411 LSx PCM is the best option available for the do-it-yourself type who wants to design their own EFI system!

dave w

**mikew** · 10-30-2013

Originally Posted by 1project2many

mikew, I believe dave w is asking which definition file, or mask, are you using. $8D? $58? Something else?

Also, would you mind providing information about the engine configuration?

Must have misunderstood the question.

I've used both $A1 (BFUZ - coil packs) and $88 (BAWX - distributor) on Jaguar 4.2l OHC inline 6 motors with dual "throttle bodies" (I convert the motors dual side draft carbs to throttle bodies, each with a single 72# injector). The two Jaguars I have with custom injection use $A1.

I've also used $8D (ANHT) on a Ford "59AB" V8 flathead (239ci, 100 hp) with a single injector throttle body from some GM 4 cylinder (can't recall at the moment, 1.8l?).