SideXSide Action - April 2008 - (Page 49)

position, the ECU tells the injectors to shoot fuel in and then it is ready. The ECU is the newer, smarter carburetor that uses electronic modules to adjust the fuel- toair ratio instead of manually changing parts. This also means that instead of a few wires, a black box, and a stator, there is usually a complete wiring harness that runs the length of the frame of the bike for the different modules. An ECU is just as complex in the workings, but may be easier to explain. The three elemental ingredients for combustion are fuel, air, and ignition. The ECU is like a mainframe in a computer that controls all of these. Complete combustion can only occur if the air and fuel is present in an exact ratio. Oxygen sensors monitor the amount of oxygen in the exhaust and the ECU uses this information to adjust the air-to-fuel ratio in real-time. On the fuel side, the electronic fuel injector is normally closed and opens to needs to be released. The ECU even knows when the engine is cold and allows for additional fuel to be added, similar to the choke on a carbureted engine. And on the ignition side, an ECU can adjust the exact timing of the spark to provide better power and economy. It also controls the time in the engine cycle at which the valves open. you may need to listen to your brain and look into a new one, or just a remapping. The options are out there. Just be smart in choosing, as the aftermarket components that you add to your vehicle spark an element of concern to be taken seriously on your final decision. You may have heard of remapping your ECU or getting a fuel controller module. These options may be required where aftermarket modifications have been made, including but not limited to exhaust systems, internal engine upgrades, and even certain air filter options. As a consequence of these changes, the old ECU may not have the appropriate settings for the new configuration. A programmable ECU could change the amount of fuel to be injected, when the spark plug should fire, the rev limitation, and many other elements depending on the vehicle and the map. Why do these black boxes fail? Some of them fail purely due to age and because they are electronics subject to the elements. Another reason that most racers have come to realize is that they fail as a result of the constant shock they take while on an off-road vehicle. Think of it as getting whiplash when you are seat belted in a car in a forward collision. The forward progress with an immediate stop has a tendency to jar the electronics and may eventually cause failure. So take your UTV brain seriously. The CDI or ECU controls the core of your Side X Side. If you are having spark problems, start-up problems, or engine performance problems, { CDI & ECU } INSTALLATION Installing a standard CDI box or ECU box replacement is one of the easiest installations you will do on your SXS. Programmable boxes are a little more tricky and will usually also come with an ignition box and capacitor. The CDI box on a Yamaha Rhino can be changed out in minutes, and with basic tools. Step 1. Locate the CDI box. To change your CDI box you must first locate it. It is a safe bet that your CDI or ECU box will be close to your battery or electrical board. In the Rhino the CDI box is located in the battery box. “The three elemental ingredients for combustion are fuel, air, and ignition. The ECU is like a mainframe in a computer that controls all of these.” inject pressurized fuel as long as electricity is applied to the injector's solenoid coil. Since the injector dispenses fuel in set amounts, the ECU calculates the amount of fuel that Step 2. Unbolt the box. In the Rhino the CDI box is held down by one (1) bolt that can be removed with the Rhino’s provided tool kit. (Tip) Be careful not to let the bolt fall down into the battery box. Step 3. Unhook the wiring harness plug-ins. Unplug the wiring harness going into the CDI box. Be sure to remember which slot they go into, as you will need to hook them back up in the same order to the new CDI box. Re-install: Repeat these steps in reverse and there you have it. Easy. RESOURCES FOR ARTICLE: www.ridesidexside.com www.duneguide.com WWW.SIDEXSIDEACTION.COM 49 http://www.ridesidexside.com http://www.duneguide.com http://WWW.SIDEXSIDEACTION.COM

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of SideXSide Action - April 2008

SideXSide Action - April 2008 Contents Mailbox News Tips & Tricks Race Interview Next: Bobcat Soldier Meadows Win a Rhino CORR Season Wrap Up Race Year in Review Built For It: Rath Racing Prowler Product Review Shock Adjustments Tech: CDI & ECU Boxes Company Spotlight: Legend Off-Road Wheel Buyers Guide SXS Shoot-Out Gallery Shot New Products On The Go Photo

SideXSide Action - April 2008

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