Baller JC McCavit Posted January 13, 2012 Baller Share Posted January 13, 2012 I saw this discussion on another thread. I never did see the solution and the price to correct it. Mine is noticeable, but not as bad as the one that was discussed. Maybe Jody could shed some light on the problem and how it was corrected on newer GT-40's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Bruce_Butterfield Posted January 14, 2012 Baller_ Share Posted January 14, 2012 There is a revised software load for the ECM. PCM offers it free to the original owner of the boat, but charges several hundred bucks after that. I chose to live with it. If it was easy, they would call it Wakeboarding Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted January 14, 2012 Baller_ Share Posted January 14, 2012 I'm the original titled owner. How do I tap into the free revised software??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Jody_Seal Posted January 14, 2012 Baller_ Share Posted January 14, 2012 Some time in the late 90's PCM changed the engine management software on the GT-40. The reasons where many and it totally changed the cold start sequence. Need to pull your cover off the ECM and check the number on the botttom of the ECM steel case. if it does not read 300-M you have the original calibration. If you have a buddy with a newer GT-40 engine 99-02 see if you cant borrow his ECM, hook it up and see if it correct's your concerns. If it does and you want a new ECM give me a ring I will gladly quote you on a new one. If you feel your concerns are warranted and the problem persists after the ECM swap you might need to get a service technician involved hands on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Bruce_Butterfield Posted January 14, 2012 Baller_ Share Posted January 14, 2012 Yes, the idle flare on the '97 GT-40. It was corrected in '98 with updated SW in the ECM. Wish, it was several years ago when I checked and can't find the email. Not sure if PCM still offers it, but you can try PCM here: http://www.pcmengines.com/contact/ If it was easy, they would call it Wakeboarding Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Jody_Seal Posted January 14, 2012 Baller_ Share Posted January 14, 2012 The PCM part number is R116009. I am a PCM dealer to my knowledge we no longer load new soft ware into the older ECM,s. As a technician I would recommend a replacement anyway because of the heat cycles they go thru and overall age of the unit. Some of these GT-40's are appraching on 20 years old, Like it or not I am seeing failure of these components on low hour GT's. last year alone we replaced 3 units for customers. Intermittent failure and pin decomposition seem to be the reasons for replacement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBD Posted January 14, 2012 Share Posted January 14, 2012 @rico what you described is idle flare Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller JC McCavit Posted January 14, 2012 Author Baller Share Posted January 14, 2012 Where is the ECM located on the GT-40 and what does it look like? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller JC McCavit Posted January 18, 2012 Author Baller Share Posted January 18, 2012 Can someone please take a picture or explain where the ECM module is located on a 1997 GT-40? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller RichardDoane Posted January 18, 2012 Baller Share Posted January 18, 2012 I think it's on the bracket above the rear of the engine, over the transmission Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted January 18, 2012 Baller_ Share Posted January 18, 2012 I learned today through my engine starting issues that yes, thats exactly where it is. Its about the size of a Ritz crackers box only black. It will have a pigtail wire harness coming off of it plugged into nothing. It's where the ECM is accessed by technicians. How'd I do with my schooling? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller JC McCavit Posted January 21, 2012 Author Baller Share Posted January 21, 2012 O.K. I am getting closer. I pulled the black plastic cover off and inside is a metal box. On the end is a tag with E290 printed on it. Is this the ECM? If this is the ECM, approx. how much for the replacement 300-M PCM part number R116009? I will order from Jody when I decide to perform the upgrade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted January 22, 2012 Baller_ Share Posted January 22, 2012 JC, are sure that's needed. The idle flare on my 97 just seems kinda normal. High revs for a few seconds, if that, (at maybe 1000-1200) and then drops to 700 very quickly. My assumption is that's what it's programmed to do. Both my cars do that. Replacing the ECM for something engineers determined as normal seems extreme. Maybe some out there are worse then mine but my motor has never suffered for it and with all the tune up parts from Jody it runs like a scalped dog. If yours is worse, could it be something else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller JC McCavit Posted January 22, 2012 Author Baller Share Posted January 22, 2012 Thanks Wish, mine is similar to what you describe. I just hate going into and out of gear at 1200 rpm. I have a short setup on one end of my course that requires a quick shut down. Normal start up is not a problem. I was just thinking it could be an easy fix. I have to keep my boat competitive with a 2010 200 and a 2009 196 at a quarter the price. I like to keep every thing working perfect. My runs like a rapped ape. I love the power to weight ratio advantage I have over the late model 196's and 200's with the 343 hp engines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted January 22, 2012 Baller Share Posted January 22, 2012 I understand the 2 second flare being discussed, but don't understand why that would cause you to go into/out of gear at 1200 rpm regardless of length of set-up? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted January 22, 2012 Baller_ Share Posted January 22, 2012 JC, I have a fairly short set up at both ends. My boat is never put in gear at anything over 750. I'm not understaning why yours would. At the end of our lake there's enough room for the boat to calm down before any revearse is needed if needed at all. Is yours shorter then that? In that instance I can understand. You are absolutely right in your assessment of that year 196. It very much holds it's own against current models. I drive a 2008 frequently enough to realize I have no need to upgrade. Period. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller JC McCavit Posted January 22, 2012 Author Baller Share Posted January 22, 2012 I personally don't have much of a problem. If you are patient and and don't rush or overshoot while dropping a skier, it is a none issue. The boat is new to me last season and we only put about 100 hrs on it. Now that I know this is normal, I think the best solution is to better explain the boats characteristics to new drivers who expect the engine to respond normally when coming off the throttle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted January 22, 2012 Baller_ Share Posted January 22, 2012 JC, the people that drive my lake and boat are were told to wait for the few seconds for the boat to calm down before setting it in gear. Surprisingly Ive not had to mention it to any experienced driver. Most will intuitively listen to the motor and know not to drop it in gear. They are great boats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted January 22, 2012 Baller Share Posted January 22, 2012 Strangely enuff a ski buddy has a '97 196 w/GT40 and no flare, my '00 has no flare either and I agree...great ski boats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now