Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Relocating the ECM

[Gordon Maney]

Considering just how abusive the normal ECM mounting point manages to be — from heat and vibration — has anyone moved, or considered moving, the ECM to a safer location? ... . so it would last longer?

Given the 50 pin connector, that is a lot of leads to splice, with two splices per wire. The connections would have to be perfect.

Anyone tried this?

Another question. Are the ECM's potted?

 

[BarryG]

While the ecms do go out they dont seem to be a major problem (well unless it is yours of course). They seem to hold up fairly well considering where they are at. I think your point about 100 splices is a very valid one, you would just introduce 100 additional points of potential failure. Not sure the benefit would be there. As far as being potted I am not sure. I wanted to tear mine open but feared it would no longer qualify as a core so I abstained.

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

What does potted mean?

 

[JLandry]

What does potted mean?

"Potting" implies coating, filling, or encapsulating the electronic components to insulate or protect them from heat, moisture, dirt, or vibration. Typically when something like an ECM is potted, you'd open up the cover and discover that the entire inside has been filled with either a hard or soft substance. This makes repairs difficult because removing the potting substance can be nearly impossible without destroying the electronic components.

Regards,

John L.

 

[JLandry]

Are the ECM's potted?

From this picture Bob Wagner posted in another thread, I'd say no.



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[TPetroff]

Considering just how abusive the normal ECM mounting point manages to be — from heat and vibration — has anyone moved, or considered moving, the ECM to a safer location? ... . so it would last longer?



Given the 50 pin connector, that is a lot of leads to splice, with two splices per wire. The connections would have to be perfect.



Anyone tried this?



Another question. Are the ECM's potted?

I don't believe relocating the ECM is a viable option.

All the engine manf. Cat,Cummins,Detroit,etc. all mount them pretty much in the same location,on all there engines in highway/heavy off road application.

To my knowledge the failure rate is not the extreme. They all have had there short comings,and early failures,but seemed to be mostly corrected now.

Same with the electric lift pump mounted to the engine, IMO.

Seems to me the most Not all failures can be directly attributed to "after" market power enhancing "goodies"

That are poorly mounted or wired.

Just my opinion based on being around many construction,highway engines that mostly perform flawlessly.

TGP