Question about ECU...

[pwerwagn]

What exactly does the ECU on a first gen do? If I internally regulate the alternator, what will that cause? Ive always done this on cummins conversions I have done, but this time Id like to keep the stock 93 dash in tact, stock, and 100% functional.

 

[DVolk]

As far as i know it just runs the Alternator , as the 89 and 90s that i know of never had one oly the voltage regulator on the firewall How do you internally regulate them as id like to do it on e i got . As what would happen im not shure , but i think it connects sevral wires in the box so if things would quit is a big ?????

 

[Bob Beauchaine]

I will look at my factory Service Manual and see what it says about the ECM and let you know what I find later today.



Bob

 

[cerberusiam]

Charging for the ones that have internal control.



OD in an out for the auto trucks.



Grid heater controls and cycling for all models.



Cruise control.





Those are the ones I remember clearly.

 

[jwirth]

And AC if you have it

 

[pwerwagn]

Damn it. I have an Auto, cruise and AC and was hoping to use all 3. Is the ECU reliable?

As far as internally regulating, I just take the 12V alternators (at least the 94-98 ones) to our local alternator and they convert it for me. I am not sure what is involved but I get back a chevy style hook up alternator (one wire hook up) and have never had a problem with them.

If the 1st gen ecu is reliable Ill just keep it... ?

 

[Pascalray]

All of the ECU functions can be bypassed with switches, etc. . and the the ECU unit deleted from the system from what I understand. I have yet to see a comprehensive write up on how to do this professionally.



Anyone know of a how to article to do this with pics and schematics? Of particular interest is how to make the speedo work without the ECM.

 

[jwirth]

The time and aggravation it would take you it's cheaper just to fix if possible. EMC is about 225 rebuilt by A1Cardon. Via (rockauto.com) If your time is worth as much as mine is I would just have it rebuilt. Mine went out last year for the first time and you figure trucks a 92 so if it lasted years 18 that's no to bad in my book.

 

[DVolk]

Im betting a ecu from a mini van would work just fine it plugs in and looks identicle

 

[pwerwagn]

Cool. Thanks for the info. I was kinda hoping to get rid of it, this if for my ramcharger conversion. I wanted to make it a little cleaner under the hood, and Im cutting the fenders out a bit and wasnt planning on running stock inner fenderwells. But I just may for the time being.

 

[Pascalray]

I am doing the same thing on a Ramcharger and Crewcab conversion and was hoping for some resources or how to's to get rid of the ECU.

 

[HHhuntitall]

The alternator conversion is listed in the 2nd gen forum in a couple places..... there is also the option of using a voltage regulator like what's on the 91 and earlier trucks... ... there is a difference in the regulator, depending on what alternator you use, too.....



Cruise control, other than a cable throttle lock, is not going to be possible without the ECM. Speedo can be worked around..... even made back to mechanical with a cable using an older speedo... ...



Personally, having cut the fenders on some, just make your own brackets to hold the ECM. It doesn't take much to move it up and forward and hold it. It's not very heavy..... and you can even move it to the firewall if you have too, with just a little rewiring.

 

[pwerwagn]

The alternator conversion is simple if you convert it to internal regulated. I was HOPING thats all the 1st gen ECU took care of. Guess not!!

I will go ahead and run mine for now. I couldnt find much info on it at all, so in my mind that means its reliable enough to not mess with. When I get motivation... wait... IF I get motivation, I will do a writeup on deleting it.