Re: [DML] Serious Megasquirt Question

["content22207" <brobertson@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

As I explained in Message #84549 I have two ignition modules in my car: the Duraspark module that is my primary ignition controller, and the original Bosch unit which is currently sitting idle. Because no wiring mods were made, I can switch between them at will: if the Duraspark unit ever fails, all I have to do is plug the Bosch module in and get right back on the road.

Duraspark modules are of course stock items at all parts houses, but that wouldn't do me any good after hours (like now: I've just gotten in from a nocturnal drive back to North Carolina).

I also carry a full size 50,000 mile steel belted radial spare tire. If I ever get a flat tire in the middle of the night (or during daylight hours on a weekend), I can get right back on the road. I could drive through state after state after state on my spare, at highway speeds, if necessary. I did drive all over the DC area on it once looking for an in stock 235/60-15 tire (sliced sidewall -- no way to repair that). Note that AAA will only tow you to one tire shop and leave you there -- if the shop is closed, or if they don't have your tire size in stock, you're screwed. Any owner who doesn't carry a usable spare tire is just asking for trouble, especially with pavement coming apart these days (the jagged edge of a pothole claimed my sidewall). There also is a lot of crap on the roads that can puncture a tire (does AAA plug tires on the side of the road?).

Bill Robertson
#5939

--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Owen" <omalbec@...> wrote:
>
> What is your contingency plan today should your stock Ignition Control Unit craps out (it is 30+ years old after all)?  Or your stock RPM relay? Or your fuel pump? Or.... we can play this game all night. It doesn't matter one iota if your fuel delivery is mechanical if your spark control is electronic.
> 
> I for one believe that whether one is K-Jetted, carburetted or EFI'd, AAA or classic insurance with towing package is probably a prudent investment.  I don't care what your fueling mechanism, if you lose your spark control, you're screwed.
> 
>  
> 
> 
> --- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "content22207" <brobertson@> wrote:
> >
> > I mean controller replacement. My little brother had to replace the onboard computer in his Oldsmobile not too long ago. For some reason the thing died while he was at work. 
> > 
> > Onboard electronics do die. I helped a DeLorean owner last year whose Bosch ignition module had died (his dead ECU donated the harness connector for the adapter my Duraspark module is using).
> > 
> > All electronic devices are subject to failure. It is unrealistically optimistic to claim that one's own devices will never fail. If I was totally dependent upon an onboard controller for my fuel delivery, I would definitely have a contingency plan.
> > 
> > Bill Robertson
> > #5939
> > 
> > 
> > --- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "DarkStar Media" <darkstarmedia@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Define "dies"...
> > > 
> > > If the computer shorts out it's dead anyway and no laptop or phone will do
> > > anything about it, just like any ECU.
> > > 
> > > Baring that they are extremely reliable and once setup just run and run.
> > > 
> > > If there is a re-boot while running (usually only if you are screwing with
> > > it) you see a hiccup but the MS ECU tends to recover before the engine drops
> > > more than 100rpm (think slight stumble).
> > > 
> > > Richard
> > > 
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
> > > content22207
> > > Sent: Monday, April 23, 2012 3:31 PM
> > > To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > > Subject: [DML] Serious Megasquirt Question
> > > 
> > >   
> > > 
> > > If the onboard controller dies, do you have to reload all the fuel maps from
> > > scratch? If so, is there a smartphone interface so you don't have to upload
> > > them from a laptop? 
> > > 
> > > I'm thinking about what happens if the controller dies while you're on a
> > > trip. 
> > > 
> > > On my own car I am only dependent upon the ignition ECU, and I carry a spare
> > > for that (Duraspark is my primary ECU and the original Bosch unit is my
> > > backup).
> > > 
> > > Bill Robertson
> > > #5939
> > >
> >
>




------------------------------------

To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address:
moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx

For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com

To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnewsYahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/

<*> Your email settings:
    Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/join
    (Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
    dmcnews-digest@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 
    dmcnews-fullfeatured@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
    dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/