For gas powered vessels

As time goes on, more and more engines are being built with E.F,I, or electronic fuel injection

Control "Brains" that adjust and record almost on a minute by minute basis, --almost every part of

An engines operating life--. Some engines to a high degree, some engines to a lesser degree,

The higher degree of electronic "control" the more important each sensor in the system becomes

Many engines will have 25 to 30 readable parts of its operating system , from actual total hours of operation during its life, to what RPM , and how much time was racked up at various RPM ranges.

Most engines today cannot be diagnosed or even tuned up without the benefit of a Lap Top

Program and a checked out mechanic. Yet I often come across engines that routinely get oil changes and plug replacements every year, but have never had a computer scan since they were built and delivered. Every time some sensor is not operating, or is operating, and sending a warning, called a "Fault Code" it is recorded into the E.C.M. -" Electronic Control Module "-its there for anyone to see ----if you are able to hook up to the Scan Program----and have the experience to interpret the readings. I have been doing these scans since they first showed up about 10 or so years ago. If the engine is "EFI" Its part of every survey I do. The engine(s) are hooked up and read before and during sea trials , and detailed information is provided in the engine section of the survey report. There is no guess work, often when a repair (fault) code is indicated, and repaired, most ECM control modules will allow the mechanic to erase the "code" from the record, however, if it's a recurring problem the ECM will dutifully record it again, and it will be there to see , for anyone that takes the time to look.

Incidentally True engine hours cannot be erased from the module except by the factory, or by

Installing a New Module, Most are almost prohibitively pricy and come with zero hours on the

readout, --Yes you can leave the key on to simulate a more realistic number of total operating

hours-- but the rest of the high hour engine characteristics like rust -peeling paint-dated parts,--

older hoses and things like that ,usually give it away, Its something I always look for, you need

every bit of cautionary instinct that a life time-- full time marine Professional -can bring to your survey.

As far as non E.F.I. " Electronic" engines with standard ignition systems are concerned. All of the standard diagnostic procedures are on the table in the evaluation of these type of engines. These range all the way from Compression test and air leak bleed down procedures to simple vaccum tests and cylinder balance comparisons , which sometimes can also be accomplished mechanically and or, with the right Lab scope Program. During the engine part of the survey, I will employ any test or combination of test methods that will enable you come away with enough information to make an informed decision regarding engine condition.

"I ALWAYS GO THE EXTRA MILE"