Maybe a FICM problem

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Sep 28, 2010 | 08:13 AM

#16

gearloose1

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bismic

(btw - the issues w/ the FICM most likely aren't a Ford design issue, but instead a quality control issue. I believe that the location of it was to protect it from vibration, heat, and moisture - well as much as possible and not require the cost of an extra long cable.)

The E series mount the FICM on the body --- and with that change, correspondingly far lower failure rates.

This is despite a large number of diesels operated in extreme conditions as ambulances --- mind you the E 6.0 is derated.

IMHO, if I had an F,

I would, without lengthening the cable, try to at the very least,

remove the box from the engine and mount it to the body

Add in a system of heat shields (to reflect radiant heat from engine) and insulation to limit heat from the exhaust conducting into the box.

Then, I would add an insulated duct to bring in cold air.

If I were towing and operating in desert like climates, I would add a thermostatically controlled powered fan that measures temperature at the box to draw in cold air.

I would not let the box get within 40ish% of the melting point of the solder on there.

That is 220C - 430F.

I would set the limit at 150C or 300F

Actual calculations will need a EE that does thermal envelope calculations and ideally, have a simulator that can model the components in that box.

Sep 28, 2010 | 08:16 AM

#17

gearloose1

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Solder tip.

If you are really good with soldering --- e.g. skilled and have high quality industrial grade equipment.

Consider changing over to a silver hard solder.

It will only help the joints that are repaired (the most critical), and only if you are able to remove a majority of the solder on it.

The risk you run with higher temperature solder is damaging the components as you solder.

Not a bad bet in skilled hands.

Sep 28, 2010 | 09:36 AM

#18

brickie

Cargo Master

Joined: Mar 2007

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From: AB/BC

I did mine with a crappy iron and plumbing solder and a magnifying glass,haven't had a lick of trouble with it since.I am lucky I guess

Sep 28, 2010 | 09:38 AM

#19

gearloose1

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brickie

Or sheer competence and good workmanship by brickie!

Sep 28, 2010 | 09:40 AM

#20

brickie

Cargo Master

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 3,103

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From: AB/BC

Quote:

Originally Posted by gearloose1

brickie

Or sheer competence and good workmanship by brickie!

LOL,I am lucky

Sep 28, 2010 | 09:56 AM

#21

cmcowboy

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Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 288

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From: Bradenton Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by brickie

LOL,I am lucky

Hopefully I have the same amount of luck. I know I have a issue with the FICM (Voltage test 4 times) so I'm going to fix that first. Next Im worried about the IPR maybe causing the couple surges I have had in the past. (Fingers crossed)

Sep 28, 2010 | 10:14 AM

#22

cmcowboy

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From: Bradenton Florida

Another question, has anyone done buisness with Ford 6.0 FICM | Circuit Board Medics
They are a little lower price on there repair then Swamp.
Still not 100% on doing this myself, if I happen to damage something trying to fix it myself I could loss a core charge.
Thanks everyone!!

Sep 28, 2010 | 10:17 AM

#23

gearloose1

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Hey -

A competent computer / electronics repair shop that does circuit board repair, in your neck of the woods,

Given the printed instructions from the Master Bismic here.

Can do a fine job.

You don't risk sending it off (and losing it or having it damaged in shipping).

Swamp, IMHO, is a swamp.

Go local.

If it doesn't work, you are back to them --- smiling with the part in your hands.