ESA module

[Black as]

Hi Guys
I have a 1988 bayliner capri with a 4 barrel 350 chev with a cobra stern drive.

My question is does anyone have a detailed check list for the ESA module set up, currently it idles at 500 rpm on muffs and I have activated the module by hand and nothing happens, I haven't touched the over-ride switch and have checked and cleaned all connections that I can see, all mechanical devises work fine and have tested the module with a multi-meter and it is working, also does this system have a fuse?

I have done a lot of reading in this forum but cant find anything in detail, is there a common problem that I may have overlooked.

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: ESA module

Make sure the wire that goes from the ESA module to the negative side of the coil is present.

 

[Black as]

Re: ESA module

Make sure the wire that goes from the ESA module to the negative side of the coil is present.

Thanks for that I will check tonight

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: ESA module

If the idle is 500 on the muffs it will die when you put the boat in the water.
It should be more like 750 on the muffs.

If the ESA is not working you will know when you try to shift out of gear.

 

[Black as]

Re: ESA module

If the idle is 500 on the muffs it will die when you put the boat in the water.
It should be more like 750 on the muffs.

If the ESA is not working you will know when you try to shift out of gear.

I dropped it to 500 rpm to see if I could hear the revs drop I plan to put it in the water tomorrow and re-check all adjustments that have been made are all still to specifications and then test it putting in and out of gear. I'm just trying to cover everything before I put it in the water.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: ESA module

Describe how you checked that the switches were operating correctly.

There is a wiring diagram here that you should download.

http://download932.mediafire.com/uzdfcyyhmqng/mwi05hzujhn/OMC+Cobra+Diagrams.pdf

You have to check both switches and you have to check them with the connector disconnected between the ESA and the switches. The switch that engages when there is tension on the cable is a NO switch and the overthrow switch is a NC switch.

 

[Black as]

Re: ESA module

Describe how you checked that the switches were operating correctly.

There is a wiring diagram here that you should download.

http://download932.mediafire.com/uzdfcyyhmqng/mwi05hzujhn/OMC+Cobra+Diagrams.pdf

You have to check both switches and you have to check them with the connector disconnected between the ESA and the switches. The switch that engages when there is tension on the cable is a NO switch and the overthrow switch is a NC switch.

Now Im confused, I activated the switch that's at the "w" mechanism and did this by hand not using the controller, is this the right way to check it

 

[bruceb58]

Re: ESA module

If you are talking about this switch with the tab on it:

yes, thats the switch. There is another switch in there that is the overthrow switch. If that switch ends up in its open position(its a normall closed switch), the ESA won't operate. Use the diagram I linked you to, disconnect the connector and use an ohm meter to decide if the switches are good or not.

What do you mean when you say you tested with a multi-meter. What did you test?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: ESA module

You probably have the old style ESA. There is a newer ESA that doesn't use the overthrow switch. It has an internal timer that only allows the ESA to operate for a set amount of time. Might be worthwhile updating to this ESA anyway.

Make sure your ESA is getting power as well. It gets the same power that is supplied to the + side of the coil.

 

[Black as]

Re: ESA module

If you are talking about this switch with the tab on it:

yes, thats the switch. There is another switch in there that is the overthrow switch. If that switch ends up in its open position(its a normall closed switch), the ESA won't operate. Use the diagram I linked you to, disconnect the connector and use an ohm meter to decide if the switches are good or not.

What do you mean when you say you tested with a multi-meter. What did you test?

I tested ohm's resistance on the ESA module

I read on the forum somewhere that you should disregard the overthrow switch when you do a manual test "by hand" on muffs. Also read that you shouldn't hear a drop of revs on muffs but will be noticeable in the water under load.So I dropped the revs to 500 rpm to see if I could notice any change. Ive operated it by the controller and it activates the ESA module ok and then the over-throw switch, not sure what that does either, but the same thing , nothing noticeable in revs dropping, I haven't adjusted anything as yet since the boat came into Australia so hence I'm treading carefully here as its all new to me this sought of set up. I know once its in water and under load it will definitely tell me once I try and get it out of gear due to the dog gears etc. but wanted to do some testing before I launch it.

 

[Black as]

Re: ESA module

You probably have the old style ESA. There is a newer ESA that doesn't use the overthrow switch. It has an internal timer that only allows the ESA to operate for a set amount of time. Might be worthwhile updating to this ESA anyway.

Make sure your ESA is getting power as well. It gets the same power that is supplied to the + side of the coil.

I like that idea,the new switch that is, do you have a part number so I can show our local dealer to see if he can get it for me here in Australia please

 

[bruceb58]

Re: ESA module

You can not test the module with an Ohms measurement. The ESA module is a solid state device. Not sure what you think you are measuring.

You will definitely know that the ESA is working even at a higher RPM. It will make the engine sound like it is running on half of its cylinders.

The reason people say that the ESA does not operate on muffs is because there is no load on the prop when you are shifting. Obviously if you hold the switch manually, you are simulating a condition so the ESA will operate.

Whoever said to disregard the override switch was either talking about a newer ESA module or assuming the overthrow switch is in its normally closed position. That is what you need to do first. Make sure the overthrow switch is in its normal position.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: ESA module

I like that idea,the new switch that is, do you have a part number so I can show our local dealer to see if he can get it for me here in Australia please

Its a whole new ESA module. Buy the CDI one. Then you can use it with a Pertronix ignition if you are so inclined.

http://www.go2marine.com/product.do?no=90470F

 

[Black as]

Re: ESA module

You can not test the module with an Ohms measurement. The ESA module is a solid state device. Not sure what you think you are measuring.

You will definitely know that the ESA is working even at a higher RPM. It will make the engine sound like it is running on half of its cylinders.

The reason people say that the ESA does not operate on muffs is because there is no load on the prop when you are shifting. Obviously if you hold the switch manually, you are simulating a condition so the ESA will operate.

Whoever said to disregard the override switch was either talking about a newer ESA module or assuming the overthrow switch is in its normally closed position. That is what you need to do first. Make sure the overthrow switch is in its normal position.

When you say the overthrow switch is in its normal position do you mean that both switches work simultaneously or the ESA operates first then the overthrow. Im not really sure what does what with these switchers to tell you the truth

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: ESA module

I think i would try the in the water test just to verify it is bad.
If it comes out of forward and reverse with no problem then it is working.

 

[Black as]

Re: ESA module

I think i would try the in the water test just to verify it is bad.
If it comes out of forward and reverse with no problem then it is working.

I thought that as well but was trying to eliminate everything as this boat was sitting around for about 10-12 months before I got it and have found a few problems that Ive already fixed and seeing this is a big problem with these drives and read on this forum I just wanted to be 100% sure

 

[Black as]

Re: ESA module

Its a whole new ESA module. Buy the CDI one. Then you can use it with a Pertronix ignition if you are so inclined.

http://www.go2marine.com/product.do?no=90470F

I rang my local Marine dealer and he has come up with this unit.
http://www.go2marine.com/product.do?no=158392F

By the way he was talking it sounds like his not really sure either "HELP"

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: ESA module

Thats understandable. The only downside is if it fails on the water you will need to turn the engine off to get it out of gear.
You can still get back to port though...

When i had my Cobra i kept an extra ESA switch in the dash but never did have to use it.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: ESA module

Have you downloaded the manual yet from the Adult Section? There is a factory manual that shows exactly how to test the switches in section 11.

 

[Black as]

Re: ESA module

Have you downloaded the manual yet from the Adult Section? There is a factory manual that shows exactly how to test the switches in section 11.

I have downloaded the manual but haven't read that section yet, the test I did was done late last night and now I'm at work its been bugging me all morning so the first thing I could think of was iboat forum, hoping that someone can point out a very common problem that I could go straight to rather than pulling everything apart.