Can Mercruiser ECM be reprogrammed or updated?

[BodunkPHilroe1]

I was reading in another post that an ECM could be reprogrammed or 'reflashed.' Does anyone have any experience with this?

Is this something that should be considered?

 

[danond]

Re: Can Mercruiser ECM be reprogrammed or updated?

What's making you think yours needs help?

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Can Mercruiser ECM be reprogrammed or updated?

I was reading in another post that an ECM could be reprogrammed or 'reflashed.' Does anyone have any experience with this?

Is this something that should be considered?

Some can some can't what do you have? If your all stock and trying to get better performance then you really sould leave it as is. It would not be a good idea, It's not really the same thing like in your car/truck that you would see in the truck style performance magazines for up grades.

 

[BodunkPHilroe1]

Re: Can Mercruiser ECM be reprogrammed or updated?

I have a 2001 5.7 EFI and when I start it there is a delay between the point where the initial fuel pump pressurization and the engine kicking in. As I understand it the fuel pump pressurizes when you turn on the ignition. You can readily hear it if listening for it. Then once the starter turns over, the fuel pump is to receive the OK from the ECM to further pressurize the system. When all is well the engine cranks revs up to say 1500 rpm and then settle back to idle. When it gets quirky, you hit the starter, it attempts to start then it is as if the fuel system doesn't kick in. It just dies back down and stops. Then it seems to act like it is flooded. Even though I crack the throttle open a bit, it still won't hit.

I had read on a different posting of a guy with a Mastercraft having a similiar issue, rough starting, He mentioned that they reflashed his ECM and all was well. I just wondered if there are upgrades or enhancements that I should think about for my ECM. I am a big "stock" guy. I figure that in general, if the factory guys thought it was better they would do it themselves! So I am not looking to increase performance, just consistency.

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Can Mercruiser ECM be reprogrammed or updated?

when was the last tune up and full engine service? [spark plugs For starters]

 

[Don S]

Re: Can Mercruiser ECM be reprogrammed or updated?

You COULD have a simple IAC valve problem, or fuel delivery problem, or spark problems. You DO NOT have a problem that reprogramming will cure.
Pull the fuel filter off and empty into a clear containere, look for water in the fuel. Install a New filter (prime it with clean fuel before installing). A tuneup up and compression test is another
Head up to the adults only sticky at the top of the forum, download the manuals for your engine and start reading.
Also look at some of the other threads. Winterizing and summerizing explains the reasons for a lot of the Preventive Service your engine and drive needs to keep working trouble free.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Can Mercruiser ECM be reprogrammed or updated?

IAC valve problem...It should be on your TB..unplug it and if the same condition applies..well there ya go. Your motor should not jump to 1500 rpm on a cold start..A boat's efi system is a duplicate to a car's...just a bit dumbed down if that's the word...Have you ever heard of car doing that on start up..

Anyway's if you would like to reprogram you ecm here a good starter http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=199

When your done let's compare note's............

 

[BodunkPHilroe1]

Re: Can Mercruiser ECM be reprogrammed or updated?

when was the last tune up and full engine service? [spark plugs For starters]

New plugs last season. Inspected wires, distrubutor cap, rotor this season.

Replace all filters every and all fluids every season.

With digital ignition, what else is there?

 

[bajadawg]

Re: Can Mercruiser ECM be reprogrammed or updated?

AHHA
I have the same problemb!!
I have replaced almost everything, Batterys,starter,IAC,Map sensors,fuel filters,spark plugs cap & rotor all OEM and gaped.
I had a Mercruise mechanic scan the motor for 3 hours!!
It still wont start wheather it is cold or normal running temp.
I think it is the computer!

 

[achris]

Re: Can Mercruiser ECM be reprogrammed or updated?

This thread is over a year old! Start your own thread to get answers....