8
MARINE TECHNICIAN TODAY
|
WINTER 2014
By Bill Grannis
Comparing Outboard
Motor Diagnostic Systems
W
hether you refer to them as electronic wrenches,
digital toolboxes, or a technical tattle-tales, universal
computerized engine diagnostic systems are now
available to independent technicians to troubleshoot multiple
brands of outboard, stern-drive, and inboard engines. Because
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California
Air Resources Board (CARB) require 1999 and newer engines
to meet strict emission regulations, larger motors rely on
an ECU to operate and monitor engine conditions as well as record
running history, engine hours, and store any malfunction codes
that may occur. Computer diagnostics until recent years were the
proprietary domain of each engine manufacturer and some are not
available to non-dealers. Today’s marine mechanic no longer has
to turn away the lucrative servicing of computer-controlled motors
because they are not an authorized dealer with expensive test
equipment and/or specialized diagnostic programs.
Three companies offer a universal system that works on multiple brands of
outboard motors. There are a couple of other companies that sell testing
systems but they are not designed for the many popular outboard motor
brands that are in use today. Mostly the other programs are for stern drives,
inboards andperhapsonebrandof outboard. CDI Electronics’MEDS, Sierra
STATS, and API’s 4000 are three outboard diagnostic systems available to
independent repair shops and technicians for troubleshooting computer
controlled motors from well known manufacturers. These diagnostic
programs save a business from having to purchase and to learn a different
system for every make of outboard they service. The systems come with
an interface cable and various adapters for connecting to specific motors.
They display stored electronic control unit (ECU) information, can generate
engine reports for reference or to give to an interested boat owner, and
additionally actuate and test individual components.
CDI Electronics MEDS
Back in 2007 CDI Electronics introduced the first MEDS program that could
interface with multiple brands of outboard motors. Now it is usable for all
the big name outboards, both US built and imported models, in addition
to MEFI fuel injected inboard engines along with Mercury and Volvo stern-
drives. The CD software program quickly loads into a laptop or a Windows
Tablet making it portable and easily and relatively economical to replace
should it be dropped overboard or onto a hard surface. The ability to have
the program installed on more than one laptop increases efficiency in a
shop. The interface cable and connectors are electrically isolated from the
engine by the use of light pulses, such as those employed in fiber optics,
instead of being a hard-wired electrical circuit. This prevents any electronic
damage from surges from either an ECU or from a malfunctioning laptop.
The software recognizes the make and model engine automatically and
initial screen display is a series of gauges to monitor various running
conditions. There are up to 23 different gauges available for viewing
depending on the type of information which the ECU can exhibit. In addition
engine data on text based informational screens and graphic presentations
may be displayed instead of gauges, if desired. The cables are contained in
a reinforced aluminum case for protection and portability.
API Scantool 4000
Introduced last year
the API 4000 is the
newcomer to engine
diagnostics. Like the
MEDS setup it is a
software
program
for a single laptop
with advantages of
portability and efficiency along with ease of replacement should the
computer become damaged or dunked. There is no CD disk, the program
is downloaded over the Internet and a call has to be made to API to obtain
an authorization code for it to activate. The software can only be installed
on one computer at a time. The unit comes with a plastic case for the
cables and adapters.
Unlike the other two companies, API sells their system only to its
customers who have a business account plus there is an annual license
fee charge after one year to keep the software activated. The annual fee is
,
TODAY’S TECHNICIAN
