Dave M

I was out yesterday and I started hearing the buzzer on my '04 496HO. It had two short beeps every couple of minutes, not a continuos beep. The oil pressure, and temp looked fine according to the gauges and the gear oil bottle was OK. What else could this be? The engine seemed to be fine otherwise.

Where can I get a scan tool for this engine and how much?

Dave M.

Island Hopper

The 2 beeps per minute generally indicates you have an active fault of some sort. There are many faults that can cause this. A scan tool is the easiest way to deturmine what you have. I got mine at Rinda (Link below). I got mine a couple years ago for about $500.

http://216.230.203.183/marine/marine.htm

Dave_N

Just my opinion, but I would stay away from a handheld scan tool.

I would consider instead two options:

1) Buy the Diacom software ($80.00 more than a handheld but well worth it - assuming you have a laptop)

2) Buy and install a SC1000 series smartcraft display that will display engine fault information. If you buy one on ebay and install it yourself, you could do it for less than half the cost of a handheld scan tool.

Dave

duunoit

iTrader: (1)

that happened to a buddy of mine on his 496 Mag. He bought the Smartcraft monitor and everyhting looked good. After going round and round with the Merc techs, he finally got someone to agree to replace the wiring harness. It took a few monthe to get them to do it, but once he did, he hasn't had another problem with it.

Dave M

Thanks Guys!

Does the Diacom software come with all the necessary connectors to connect the engine to a laptop?

I was already thinking of buying a Smartcraft monitor.

Dave M.

Dave_N

Yes Diacom comes with adapters and cable for MEFI 1-4 and PCM/ECM555.

Dave

Dave_N

Installing a Smartcraft display is easy, but if you want more info order the "Smartcraft Applications and Display Products Technical Guide" from Merc. Part # 90-891965. List price $21.45.

Dave

GOODT

have been looking at the diacom soft ware how do you like it, how does it compare to the merc spx cds package????? any help I would be greatful

Dave_N

Joe,
I have not used or even seen the CDS. I really like Diacom, but think it could be better. Do you have any screen shots of CDS that you could post?

Dave

Dave M

I just called Rinda and the Diacom sounds like a better deal over the scan tool. The scan tool is $400 and Diacom is $579 but sounds like it has a lot more capabilities.