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diagnostic cables and software

mjadams70

New member
Hello everyone. I have a 1998 70 hp 4 stroke efi model number j70fltcecs that I am trying to buy a diagonistic cable and floppy disk for to do engine code readings on. where can I buy this at?
 
You would be better off saving your money.
The software is pretty much useless.

You can read the codes off the tach "Check engine" light at key on. They blink three times.

Don't be fooled....this software is not a magic fix all diag tool. It simply allows you to see the codes, reports on parameters....it is very buggy too.

If you insist on buying it, any Evinrude dealer can get it, or any Suzuki dealer...ask for the DF-70 diag software.
Pretty old stuff....probably have to have a PC with Windows 2000 or XP on it, and a serial port, not a USB to serial adapter.

I wouldn't do it, and I work on these DF 4 strokes all the time.
 
Thanks for your honesty, and I will take it. I really only need to find what code is at fault. I was on the water last fall and went to a friends cabin across the lake. Spent a hr there got back in the boat and when I went to WOT it just didn't go. feels like I am missing a cylinder. I have to admit, this motor has sat for many Minnesota winters and runs about three months a year. I am hoping it is a faulty injector or one of the sensors that is bad. But the problem was very sudden and it has shown some lack of getting up and going over the past few yrs. The nice part is I bought it from a family friend and he got it new.. so I have some history with it. I know the ECU is good because he had to replace it due to hooking up battery on wrong terminals. I am very good with motors and have the spec book on this motor so I plan on going thru all the DVM testing for proper ohms. So thanks for saving me the money!!! If you have any ideas what you think might have happend please reply. I am hearing a lot about neutral safety switch locking it in S.L.O.W without a code reading.
 
OK...it is not the neutral safety switch. When that fault occurs, the engine surges violently...high low high low.....you would definitely know it and it would not be a question in your mind that something was majorly wrong. It starts surging right at 2500 rpm, too. Basically it is the rev limiter kicking in.

You might not even have any codes. You have a tach? Look at the check engine light....count the blinks...post them back here and I will tell you what part the code refers to. If it is not blinking, you don't have codes.

I would look at compression first, then injectors.
Compression should be upwards of 190+ on all four. Factory compression new was 218 if I remember right.
If you have a low cylinder, it most likely will be a leaking exhaust valve. They carbon up and leak and you get low compression.
It is a major job, you have to remove the powerhead the get the cylinder head off. Last one I did cost about $350 total, machine shop charges plus parts.
Turned out real nice, compression came up to 205 across the board.

Another thing you can do is look for an obviously bad injector. If you have the balls....remove the fuel rail...two screws..... and pull it away from the cylinder head. Leave all fuel lines connected, etc. Twist it to the side so you don't spray the engine, and try starting....observe very carefully the spray pattern of each injector...looking for one that is obviously dead.
I do that without incident, but be aware that gas will go everywhere, and it is a mess. Be careful. It may pop an injector right out of the rail, in which case you WILL have some gas gushing. This procedure is not for the faint of heart. You will have to have the lower cowlings off for this.

Another thing that you should do is measure the fuel pressure. You should have 40psi at the fuel rail under all operating speeds. It will take some adapting of the fuel lines to rig a pressure gauge in there....I have the proper tools, but most owners don't. 40 PSI....that's what you need.

There are a handful of Suzuki automotive parts that will fit the engine. You get significant savings if it doesn't have Suzuki Marine or Evinrude on the label.
PM me if you need a part, and I will tell you if there is an automotive part that will work, and where you can get it.

Good luck.
 
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