Testing & repairing boat ECUs

[lovezoo]

Given the high cost of buying a replacement ECU, does anyone know of anybody who can test and repair these things? There are various companies who will repair car ECUs, but I haven't found one who does marine. I can't see there will be anything special in a boat version and a repair should be a lot cheaper than replacement, so anyone got any suggestions? BTW the engine is a Mercruiser 350 Mag.

 

[T43]

Unlikely you will find anyone in the UK, bear in mind that the people specialising in repairing car ecu,s are doing them in the hundreds and each specific model has its own individual data.
The number of boat ecu,s is minimal and not economic to do the research into the data for the very limited number they would ever see for repair.

 

[lovezoo]

Agreed there are far more cars than boats, so you are never going to get the same volume of ECUs going wrong. However I would bet that when they do go wrong, the same model will more than likely go wrong in the same way and may well be easily repaired. Its just a question of whether its worth someone's time to look into these things I suppose.

 

[MaltaBob]

Most of the Mercruiser stuff is tested with OTC equipment from the USA. We used to Import OTC products and we had a few customers in the UK who purchased test harnesses etc. I think the dealers get sent new test equipment automatically by Mercruiser, OTC will have a website and you will probably find the kit there. Very expensive, which is why you won't find many independant repairers. Also, guess what, they make more money selling a new ECU, c/w a guarantee.
Limited market, compared to the auto industry, volumes are very low, hence the cost.