480CE Data link inactive message

[Jim Boltz]

Hey, new to the board, I own a 35 Carolina Classic with twin 480CE engines, 2004, purchased by me last November. I had the boat out yesterday and the port Engine Display, an ED-1, had all the data blank out. I turned the key off and restarted motor. Everything came back but after a couple of minutes the data went blank again. This would happen each time the key was turned off, it would work, displaying all parameters, then go blank.  A message, DATA LINK INACTIVE, is displayed. I swapped ED’s and problem didn’t follow the display. Where do I start? My unprofessional guess is the source of the data but I have no idea where it comes from. I did check the wires at the plug on the ED and made sure they were not loose. Does the Data twisted pair run through the IIM? Thanks for any help.

Topic

[Jim Boltz]

two pics one after starting with good data then after failure. If I shut down and restart data will show again then fail.

[Jim Boltz]

still a problem

Cleaned connections, swapped computers, swapped last section of data wire to the display, and displays themselves, all no help. When key is turned system ok displayed with good data. Start and all indications appear normal. Then one by one all the data turns to dashes with flashing data inactive message. Each time the key is turned off and then back on it works for a short period then fails. Puzzling.

[Scott]

Fire suppression

just a thought as my Cummins QSM11’s had intermittent shutdown problems and it turned out to be a faulty fire suppression system switch activating to send engine shutdown message. I too was having data link fail messages with the associated dashes.

[William Walter]

Data link

jim something I learned which I don’t think you have a problem with but might want to know about on the 480 is something Corey told me about.on your battery are four fuses that power the ecm. I saw those on my battery but had no idea what they did. I now carry extra of those fuses.not a problem solver but good info to know about where the power comes from to ecm.mine were on house batteries.bill

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Yuniel Lino

[Dave]

480CE Performance

Appreciate the great feedback on the Carolina performance and the link on what happens when you overloading the 480CE.  Gives me a lot of optimism that I should be OK when all is said and done and the boat goes in for the season.  

    Here’s one other item worth passing along.    I’m just about finished with a project from hell replacing all of the soundproofing in the engine room.     Pretty amazing how the original material had  just about completely disintegrated.   Even more amazing how much work it is removing all of the pumps, hoses, wiring harnesses, old insulation & glue.  From there is the process of making templates, cutting the new material, gluing it on and then taping off the edges and then putting every thing back on the walls and ceilings.  Looks great but I wouldn’t wish that job on anyone.  

   I’ll also provide feedback on what performance numbers I get and also what kind of difference modified tabs make down the line.   

[Corey Schmidt]

Propping the 480CE engine

This is a MUST read if you are NOT reaching your 2600+ RPM

Propping the Cummins 6CTA 8.3 480CE vs. 430/450 Diamond Engine

1 user thanked author for this post.

Jim Boltz

[Jim Boltz]

I was told they are 24×31. they are acme. I don’t see any real discernible black smoke getting on plane. I can make 2600 rpm wot with full fuel and a couple of guys. I’m waiting to see what happens with warmer air and loaded for offshore. I have stock tabs and nose is a bit high but I don’t push tabs down much. I have seen guys discussing tabs on the Carolina classic owners forum.

[Dave]

Connector Issues

    I also picked up a 2004 35′ Carolina Classic with twin 480CEs last year.  I have also had issues with connectors and Tony is right.  You have to go through them.  

   On a side note, I’m wondering what props you have and how much smoke you get out of the hole.  I have 24 x 30s and neither engine turns up to 2600 RPMs. They also throw a lot of smoke until it gets on plane.  I just replaced both heads after they were found to be cracked.   Boat won’t be in for at least a month so I haven’t had a chance to try them yet.     Definitely interested in the performance you are getting.

   One other question on is if you have made any changes to the trim tabs.    My boat runs with the bow high even with the tabs all the way down.   I am considering drop fins and adding a spacer between the tabs and actuators.    

 

 

[Jim Boltz]

Thanks, I will start on that next time I’m down there. Hopefully that is all that is required.

[Tony Athens]

If it was me, the first thing I’d do is pull apart EVERY plug from the ECM 40 pin  to the dash–Spray each with a di-electric petroleum based spray ( Corrosion Block, Corrosion-X, WD-40, etc, clean as needed and push them back together and be sure all pins are pushed in tight…….All of your connections are 12-15 yrs old..

 

Tony

1 user thanked author for this post.

Yuniel Lino

[Jim Boltz]

Went down this morn to troubleshoot. Turned key, system test ok, no data link inactive message. Started motor and let idle for over 5 minutes, all is normal. Yesterday I didn’t notice the problem until motors had been running for about 5 hours, mostly at idle. I suspect an elevated engine room temp may be causing the problem. Does the data link signal originate from the engine computer? If problem arises again should I swap computers in attempt to trouble shoot?

[Author]

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