Do brains go bad?

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Dec 15, 2010 | 05:57 PM

85_Blue

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Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 133

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From: TX

Do brains go bad?

HAHA, now that I have your attention......

Does anyone know if the EEC-IV brain goes bad, or is it all just sensor replacement/cleaning. I see that NAPA offers some replacement ones going for $150-160 reman, but have you ever had to replace your brain?

Thanks,
85_Blue

Dec 15, 2010 | 06:11 PM

Eddiec1564

Cargo Master

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 2,935

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From: Arcadia, Fla

Yep they do go bad and do some strange things when a ECU malfunctions. Many years ago the ECU failed on my 84 F250, it shut down spark and wouldn't run. But being a computerized carb I pulled the SPOUT connector out and ran on base timing till I got another ECU.

Right now my 89 F250 ECU is puking out randomly causing a no start. Bad thing about EFI its game over when the ECU acts up....

A good thing is most Ford EECiv ECU's were pretty rugged things. Most problems were external of the ECU like sensors and wireing.

Dec 15, 2010 | 06:12 PM

Shark Racer

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Joined: Sep 2009

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I don't know how high the failure rate is with Ford ECUs, but computers do go bad from time to time. Typically, solders go bad, water gets inside, or someone shorts something.

Dec 15, 2010 | 08:00 PM

Archion

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 3,827

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From: Martinsburg, WV

Most issues on an EFI Ford can be attributed to bad grounds, unless you have a bad sensor. Until recently, Ford grounded everything through the ECM with out very many backups. The ECM's on fords are actually pretty resilient. They do go bad from time to time, but usually do to some outside factor like mentioned above.

Dec 15, 2010 | 08:05 PM

Rogue_Wulff

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Joined: Dec 2007

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From: Lost

My brain went bad a long time ago......

Oh, you meant automotive brains........ Never mind.

Dec 15, 2010 | 11:14 PM

jmilaman

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Joined: Jan 2010

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Ive been chasing a problem with my truck for awhile. The engine would run strange (idle erratic, run rich, quit while driving and run like a champ) but never the same issue at one time. I bought a reman computer from o'reilys two weeks ago and not one issue, runs beautifully. So yes they do go bad, pretty sure its the solder they used in the 80's. The reman comp. states "all solders rewelded". Thats my experience. By the way, you cant buy new computers anymore, my ford dealer directed me to the parts stores for reman.

Dec 15, 2010 | 11:29 PM

dyingtolive

Elder User

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 536

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From: Jacksonville, NC

85_Blue, I just pulled the EEC computer out of my truck. To my knowledge, it still works. My truck has a 300 I6 in it, but I don't know if it makes a difference what engine it's hooked up to. If you need one, I can send this one to you for the cost of shipping. I don't need it anymore. PM me, if you're interested.