ECU Positioning

[katana]

I have a Mk2 Escort using a Zetec and was planning to mount the ECU inside the car but that requires a bulkhead plug and socket in the harness to facilitate or I can't remove the loom. I've used a 40 pin bulkhead multi plug but it is a) pretty big and b) it exits quite near the exhaust manifold in the nearside engine bay. So, I don't like that fact + its a lot of joints / connections to cause issues and so i'm thinking of moving the ECU under the bonnet, placed on the top of the nearside wing. Question is - do the esteemed users think this is a viable position? No direct heavy water splash and its got the engine between it and the monoblock ign. coil - just need some reassurance!

[Alex DTA]

Not recommended, it should be fine, but you pays your money and takes your chances.
Mine's been fine in the scuttle of my Golf for years. I do get nervous every time it's out in heavy rain though.

[rxboxster]

it depends what you do with the car, if its rallying through water splashes etc then i'd say keep it in the car.
if its just a play car to use on nice days then should be ok under the bonnet.

I run an MSD 6AL in my chevy tow truck, and thats under the bonnet, its been there for the last 4 years and has been ok

[rxboxster]

maybe make an aluminium water tight case to go over the ecu? Aluminium, so it can use it as a heat sink

[ignitionautosport]

I've run an S80 on a dirt speedway open wheeler in the engine compartment. Cleaned mud and water off it and it's still fine.

I wouldn't with an S40 though.

[katana]

Yes its a 'high days and holidays' toy so I think under bonnet seems fine. Its an S60 btw, and its always struck me as odd that the case is fairly well gasket sealed with weather proof ecu connectors and then fitted a leaky old serial plug for communications LOL!

[troy]

Yeah, maybe on the next version the USB / Serial can be brought out the ampseal connectors.

[lumley32]

i have no idea if there used on these ECU's but there is nothing new about bulkhead sealed Dsubs

i have used many s80's in "wet" placed on bikes, although not submerged they certainly get spray! but i do always use backshells and boots on the ECU connectors.

[rxboxster]

a nice blob of silicone gell, or vasaline is pretty good for sealing up connectors,

I used to race RC cars, and if the track was wet, just blob a load of silicone gell on the connectors before you plug them in. works a treat,

[katana]

Well the issue got resolved yesterday - no bloody space under the lid so its back inside and i'll have to trust all those connections! LOL! Who said new tech engines were compact - this bay is stuffed to bursting point!