Date:         Tue, 26 Feb 2002 15:12:41 -0500
Reply-To:     Jeff Strickrott <jstric01@CS.FIU.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeff Strickrott <jstric01@CS.FIU.EDU>
Subject:      Was Ticking ECU, now ECU internals
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

As an electrical engineer with experience on embedded systems, I was
wondering if anyone knows where one could get a hold of the schematics
and other information on the ECU's.

My ECU is fine and I hope it will stay that way for many years, but at
some point I want to have the tools to fix it when it needs it. Yes, I
know that rebuilds are available and are a quick option to get back on
the road. But I want a more permanent solution, and knowledge is always
the best solution.

Regarding high voltage systems running at frequencies with audible
harmonics. It may not be that the ticking you hear is a short, but the
actual component moving (ever so slightly) on the board (or internally).
I have had high voltage switching supplies that "wine" as you run them.
This in the past has been from poorly mounted switching transistors,
capacitors or transformers. Now before I get tons of flames, it could
also be an indication that the part is breaking down internally, so the
only way to be sure is a good electrical inspection of the properties of
the device.

But given the age and the harsh environment, it may be that just
re-soldering the component to the PC board in the ECU solves the
problem. Someone with case histories on the failures in the ECU would
have a better idea of the cause.

Just my two cents.

Regards,
--Jeff Strickrott
82 Westy (Miami, FL)



Loretta Abbott-Kennon wrote:

> I hope the ticking is normal!  My 87 does it too.
> Loretta
> 87 Syncro
> 90 GL
> 82 Westy