craigaria Posted February 2, 2007 Posted February 2, 2007 If you have a fuel injected outboard, DO NOT dissconnect the motor battery wires while it is running. It can fry the computer and other electrical parts. I was told that even on a carbed outboard it can still fry elect. parts... I just learned this the hard way. It is not a very cheap mistake either > Quote
Live.2.Fish Posted February 2, 2007 Posted February 2, 2007 That totally sucks man, but thanks for the heads up. Quote
Low_Budget_Hooker Posted February 3, 2007 Posted February 3, 2007 Also applies to many cars Thanks for the heads up Craig. Quote
Al Wolbach Posted February 3, 2007 Posted February 3, 2007 Thanks for the heads up. I have done this once with my V-Max, without damage, but I won't try it again...........Al Quote
craigaria Posted February 3, 2007 Author Posted February 3, 2007 After researching this problem, I found that loose battery connections can fry the computer too. If you are running down the lake in rough water and the battery moves causing the loose connectors to wiggle on the post. The small spark can fry the computer, and I was told by a outboard builder that he had seen it happen 4 or 5 times... Quote
craigaria Posted February 3, 2007 Author Posted February 3, 2007 Also, here are the prices of ECU's. Just so you can decide for yourselves if it is worth taking the chance... Mercury 200 EFI New from Merc $1799.00 New aftermarket (Tony Bercata Racing) $950.00 Used $350.00- $500.00 I found a used one for $380 shipping included, a pretty good price, but I could have used this money for something else Quote
craigaria Posted February 3, 2007 Author Posted February 3, 2007 On a positive note, it looks like my boat will ready to go for Lake Fork, see you guys there Quote
Ann-Marie Posted February 4, 2007 Posted February 4, 2007 That rule applies to ALL outboards with alternators, not just fuel injected (although there are more things to be killed on a fuel injected). Disconnecting the battery load when the engine is running is an easy way to damage the rectifiers in your alternator. In both cases, the installation of a "Zap Stop" can provide some measure of protection against accidents. They are not very expensive and good insurance. Quote
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