ECU screw adjuster broke

[PamPoovey]

This may be related to my other topic: 

Pathy on Saturday sounded like it ran out of fuel (but has half a tank). Sunday, I remembered about the ECU thanks to you fine people! I got the process started, the engine light went off, I went to turn the screw the opposite direction and that is when I discovered I broke it. Argh! 

 

Yesterday, was the first day I tried to start it since Saturday. The start up sounds like a kill switch or like the distributor needs replacing (it was replaced a few months back). Does the ECU create a sort of kill switch effect? The factory alarm has been unplugged for about two years and has no other alarm.

 

Do i need to put the ECU "switch" in the original position in order for it to return to normalcy? If so, is there a way  (after removing  passenger seat) or do I need to replace the entire unit? 

 

Just something that popped in my head at 3am when I should had been sleeping.

 

Thanks in advance! 

Edited July 23, 2024 by PamPoovey

[level9]

Can't really say on this one other than perhaps a pair of needle nose pliers could be used to adjust.

[Slartibartfast]

The ECU does not have a kill function, and the alarm only kills power to the starter, so if it's cranking, it's not that. I have run codes on mine with the engine running and never had an issue, so I doubt it's the position of the pot that's got it upset. IIRC there's just a slot cut in the end of the pot's shaft. So if that's snapped, then there's a chunk of metal knocking around inside the computer, which is not a good thing. If the other side is still there, and you can turn it with pliers, it may be good enough to work with, once you get the loose chunk out of there. If not, you may be able to track down a replacement for the pot itself by dimensions and resistance and solder it in. It may even be marked.

 

Given the symptoms in your other thread, it sounds like you've got no/inadequate fuel pressure. Get that chunk of metal out of the computer before it shorts something, then chase the fuel system. Hopefully the new relay does it. If not, I would unplug the pump and put power to it directly (lawnmower battery or something), and see if that gets it running. If it does, chase the wiring. If it doesn't, chase the pump.

Edited July 24, 2024 by Slartibartfast

[PamPoovey]

I just wanted to update, being a truck driver, in situations like this, I wish I had normal working hours... 

 

I was able to get the ECU and shake the bits out without having to remove the cover. I used a valve tool I had for the a/c when I had replaced the o-rings, to turn the ECU back into the non diagnostic position. 

 

I have swapped out the relay so far. Tomorrow, I hope to have time to swap out the fuel pump and see if the issue persist. Thank you so much for your help and words of encouragement!