based on the amount of product that is purchased during the preceding
year. The software license fee ranges from $600 per year down to zero if
over $2,500 in parts are ordered during the previous year. The system is
designed to stop working if the annual fees are not paid in time or if the
required amount of products purchased from API is not sufficient.
After connecting the cables to the motor and selecting which engine
make is to be tested, the API 4000 live data screen of six gauges for
engine information in a combination of three traditional gauge faces and
three rectangular bar graph style displays comes up. The gauges can be
resized, the colors changed, and placed around the screen to suit the
operator. Like the MEDS system, it is designed to work on laptops or on
Windows tablets giving the technician a choice of computers to carry.
Sierra STATS
Sierra takes a different
approach to outboard
testing. They use a
hand-held console with
wires attached instead
of a software package
that can be loaded onto
a laptop computer or a
tablet. It has a mono-
chrome blue screen with
white text to display the data. Navigation is by push buttons located along
the face of the console and you either “arrow-up” or “arrow-down” to
locate and choose the menu option needed. The Sierra STATS requires
the input of a six digit pass-code each time the unit is turned on and will
lockup the system after three incorrect pass-code attempts. The operator
has to input the correct engine make and model into the unit from a
menu screen before testing can begin. Sierra packages the console and
cable adapters in a fabric neoprene bag with a handle. Because the tester
is a separate hand-held console, generating reports first requires the
downloading of engine data to a computer through an additional cable
hookup before it then can be printed out.
MONEY MAKING TIPS
Having a multiple-engine diagnostic system can make a shop money and
bring in new business besides only being used for testing and repairing
motors in the service bays or on dock calls. A mobile technician or a
business could advertise “Engine Operational Reports” for customers, fleet
owners, boat rental concerns, or commercial users. It would consist of a
quick diagnostic hookup to an outboard or stern-drive and downloading
the engine data. The engine does not even have to be started up unless
the customer desired a running evaluation which would be priced higher
depending on the time involved. The data would then be either printed
out or sent to the boat owner’s email address with your business name
and contact information. You could also add comments about the engine
information found and suggest services that would be recommended that
could benefit the owner. The impact of the internet with its various boating
forums has educated a large number of boaters who are now aware of
the error codes that are stored in the ECU along with information about
running hours and operating conditions. Providing a quick and inexpensive
service to download and print out that type of information can generate
new business for a repair shop plus gives name exposure to additional
mariners about your business. Visit boat clubs and fishing groups to get
your name out there and to educate the members about your engine report
service. In addition, keeping the reports in a contact file gives you a mailing
list of boaters who are now familiar with you and if they elect to have the
engine repaired, you can show them the before and after reports proving
that you fixed a problem for them. Keeping the reports also allows for you
and the customer to schedule required routine servicing as the number of
engine hours over a period of time can be calculated by reviewing the files.
Choosing an outboard or stern-drive diagnostic system depends on what
a technician decides to accomplish and what types and brands of engines
his or her shop services. Some of the above units may be purchased for
only the motors presently being serviced and if needed, additional adapters
and software can be uploaded at a future date. It would be ideal if a shop
representative could evaluate each of the testers to determine which would
be the best for thier business. Contact the manufacturers or distributors for
more detailed information, pricing and financing, and for possible hands-
on demonstration opportunities. Attend marine industry trade shows and/
or talk to other technicians to get their opinions about the programs that
they use. Once you have obtained and learned a multi-engine diagnostic
system, put it to good use and start increasing your income immediately.
TODAY’S TECHNICIAN
.
WINTER 2014 | MARINE TECHNICIAN TODAY
9
DIAGNOSTIC
SYSTEM
MEDS
MARINE ENGINE
DIAGNOSTIC
SYSTEM
SCAN TOOL 4000
STATS
SIERRATOUCH
& TEST SYSTEM
COMPANY
CDI Electronics
353 James Record
Rd SW
Huntsville, AL 35824
API Marine
1311 NW 65th PL.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
33309
Scan_Tool.html
Sierra Marine
SeaStar Solutions
1 Sierra Place
Litchfield, IL 62056
TECHNICAL
SUPPORT
1-866-423-4832
1-954-975-7373
1-877-663-8396
Toll-free number
ENGINE
APPLICATIONS
Mercury
Mercruiser
Evinrude-Johnson
(FICHT, E-TEC,
4-stroke)
Yamaha
Yamaha PWC
Yamaha Snowmobile
Suzuki
Honda (in 2015)
Crusader
Flagship
Indmar
Panther
Kodiak
Marine Power
Volvo (gas)
(Volvo Diesel –
in 2015)
Pleasurecraft PCM
GMMEFI 1 thru 6
Mercury
Mercruiser
Evinrude-Johnson
(FICHT, E-TEC,
4-stroke)
Yamaha
Suzuki
GMMEFI 1 thru 4
Mercury
Mercruiser
Evinrude-Johnson
(FICHT, E-TEC, 4-stroke)
Yamaha
Yamaha PWC
SeaDoo
Suzuki
Honda
Crusader
Flagship
Indmar
Panther
Kodiak
Marine Power
Volvo
(gas & diesel)
GMMEFI 1 thru 6
Kawasaki
SYSTEM
Laptop or Windows
8 Tablet
Laptop or Windows
8 Tablet
Hand-Held
Console
LAPTOPOR
TABLET
CONNECTOR
USB Port
USB Port
N/A
COSTS
$1200 - $4300
$395 plus license
fees up to $600 per
year
(sold to API
customers only)
$4055 – $5555
