Spare ECM

[Iceni John]

I just got back from a productive afternoon at a local bus dismantler yard where I bought a spare DDEC II ECM for my bus.   It was in another Crown Super II just like mine, and the yard owner said that the SEL and CEL were not on when he drove the bus.   I bought it in case my present ECM ever dies on me, then I'll have a usable spare to plug in.   It's complete with the fuel cooler plate and block and heat shield, but it just needs a good cleaning.   It even still has its two 30-pin connectors that were cut off the two main wiring harnesses, so maybe I can make an adapter from the VIH connector to plug into my Pro-Link as an easy way to check the ECM.   For $200 I think I got a good deal  -  if it works, great, and if it doesn't I have a decent core for rebuilding.

The yard has a half dozen buses like mine, so another trip there is in my future.   Today I also got some body parts (including another super-rare Crown name plate), but next time maybe I'll get some spare DDEC engine sensors and whatever else takes my fancy.   I want to build up a stock of hard-to-find parts that could be the difference between needing a tow or quickly getting back on the road.   Besides, it's always fun to go fossicking in a yard full of bus stuff!

One thing I did notice on a Crown there was a full-width mud flap attached to the rear wheels' mud flaps.   I'm guessing it was for the same reason that GMs also used them, to improve engine cooling.   Maybe I should try to buy it next time, and then I could also install a flap under the radiator like our local transit buses have.   Anything to help cooling is worthwhile.

John 

[Tom Y]

Good buy. I carry a spare and it saved me last year. I also carry DD3s rebuilt, and a TCM. I wish I had another trans touch pad and another (2) ECMs as the prices have gone up on these things.

[luvrbus]

A good move not many places even carry the DDEC ll ECM anymore,sensors are not a problem you can buy those at NAPA most are the same as any GM auto or pickup 

[Iceni John]

I especially wanted to buy the ECM there because it came out of a bus with exactly the same engine setup as mine.   I don't know if an ECM from a 8V92 or a different HP rating 6V92 or a non-California engine would work right or not.   Good to know about NAPA having the sensors  -  maybe it would be wise to buy a spare one of each if they're not too expensive.

The yard also has several take-out Series 50s complete with transmissions, plus a few 8V71s and lots of 6V92s, so if anyone in SoCal is looking for one just PM me.   There's an MC9/12 there as well, but its mostly transit and school buses, and most of the school buses are Crown Super IIs like mine (including one with a roof-mounted A/C).

John