87 MCI Computer flash

[Sebulba]

Hello all,. Can someone explain in somewhat simple terms what is involved in flashing a computer in an MCI 9.

Can it be driven, maybe a limp mode, to go get this done?

Thanks

Seb

[luvrbus]

Flashing is reprograming sometimes that is the only way to remove a shutdown code,in the limp mode just clear the code causing the limp mode.You have a Pro/Link ?,43,44 and 45 are critical codes if any of those show I wouldn't drive it, me I would check the coolant level or jump the coolant sensor if it was running ok before 

[Sebulba]

Thanks Luvbus.

The situation is that the fella that is selling this bus I'm talking about says that the computer was bad, so he got another one.  It just needs to be flashed.  The place that needs to be don is over 100 miles from the bus.

I assume the computer needs to be in the bus to flash it.  Maybe not. Maybe I could just take the computer to the "Flasher"?

Just trying to figure out what would need to be done if I were to buy this bus.

Thanks

Seb

[Bill Gerrie]

Just take the computer to the guy with your engine serial number and they can reprogram it to match your original one.

[luvrbus]

I wouldn't buy the bus till the seller did the flashing it could have been the right ECM programing and the engine has a problem throwing the same code as the one he replaced

[Sebulba]

Just take the computer to the guy with your engine serial number and they can reprogram it to match your original one.

OK, that makes it easier

Thanks

[Sebulba]

I wouldn't buy the bus till the seller did the flashing it could have been the right ECM programing and the engine has a problem throwing the same code as the one he replaced

That was definitely a thought I had.  Makes me wonder why he doesn't just do it.  Hmmmm

Thanks for your input.

Seb

[luvrbus]

That was definitely a thought I had.  Makes me wonder why he doesn't just do it.  Hmmmm

Thanks for your input.

Seb

Going by the year model if it is the original engine that will be the 2 box DDEC l most people cannot flash one and they are more trouble than they are worth I would keep on looking 

[Sebulba]

Going by the year model if it is the original engine that will be the 2 box DDEC l most people cannot flash one and they are more trouble than they are worth I would keep on looking

Interesting, thanks

Seb

[Busted Knuckle]

Going by the year model if it is the original engine that will be the 2 box DDEC l most people cannot flash one and they are more trouble than they are worth I would keep on looking

My thoughts exactly!
  BK 

[belfert]

Personally, I would get something with a modern four stroke engine if you can.  There are fewer and fewer places that can work on a Detroit two stroke, especially one with a DDEC I.  There are many places that can work on a modern four stroke engine.

[luvrbus]

Personally, I would get something with a modern four stroke engine if you can.  There are fewer and fewer places that can work on a Detroit two stroke, especially one with a DDEC I.  There are many places that can work on a modern four stroke engine.

[luvrbus]

2021 is supposed to be the last year Detroit supports the 2 strokes in the US except for the 53 series and that goes away in 2024 when the military (Navy) gets changed over to 4 strokes, 

[Sebulba]

2021 is supposed to be the last year Detroit supports the 2 strokes in the US except for the 53 series and that goes away in 2024 when the military (Navy) gets changed over to 4 strokes,

All good input.  I am looking at all possibilities and this is good to know.

I guess I thought the 2 strokes didn't have a computer, and I liked that idea because it's simple.  But if it has a computer well, that's not really so simple.

I really appreciate all of your input.

Seb

[Jim Blackwood]

Seb, the mid 90s DL3 used the DDEC 4 on the Series 60 four stroke, mounted on the engine. It seems to be the favorite engine controller for simplicity and the least invasive of bus systems. A transmission controller came with the B500 automatic, but again more of a standalone solution as I understand it. So for the minimum of intrusive electronics you get what more or less amounts to the best engine and best transmission for the least money. Plus they are falling out of revenue service and there are good deals on very serviceable buses. That situation can be expected to change eventually as the bigger commercial companies and govt agencies get rid of them. You can probably buy one now for a price very close to what an older 2 stroke bus will sell for. Worth looking at.

Jim