Confounded bridgeport

[K Boat Man]

Gents

Have a 2.5 maybe 2.4 EFI Bridgeport and need HELP....... Here's the low down.

1. Smokes BIG TIME crazy with 32:1 mix.
2. Starts easy but idles rough.
3. Very lazy when reved in neutral and sounds like a couple of cylinders dropping out.
4. Boat pulls hard at full throttle

OK....Here's the engine status

1. Compression number are 125 to 135.
2. Had Brucato clean and flow injectors....which where up to 30% rich and are now in spec. (I was hoping this the problem but has no effect on my problem when reinstalled)
3. Had Brucato check ECU and was for a 2.5 functioning correctly.
4. Fuel pressure at idle 39 pounds...disconnected throttle position switch tube from horn with no change except fuel pressure jumps up a pound or 2.
5. New spark plugs.

Any feedback would help.........2.5 ECU on a 2.4 would it be that far off?

[perfmarine1]

Check vac fuel pump may be leaking into crankcase,have the ignition checked. Efi should rev very quick in neutral.

[K Boat Man]

Not what you are saying about vac fuel pump leaking? System is electric pump closed loop from pump to fuel rail, injectors, regulator and back to pump inlet.

I checked water discharge temp and is cold.........Is there an enrichment mode on the ECU for cold start based on engine temp?

Will go after ignition next.........Thanks

[tlwjkw]

.2.5 ECU on a 2.4 would it be that far off?

Yeah, it is. Completly different motors.......even if they look kinda alike.


Check vac fuel pump may be leaking into crankcase,have the ignition checked. Efi should rev very quick in neutral.

No mech. pump. 'lectric.......

Reread your first post. Ya need ta figure out what it is first.........put up a picture of tha port side of tha block.

[tlwjkw]

...disconnected throttle position switch tube from horn with no change except fuel pressure jumps up a pound or 2.

This pretty much says its (tps) not workin' and ya got an analog ecu......

[K Boat Man]

Are saying there should be a bigger change than 2 PSI with tps vacuum line disconnected? 39 at idle is too high?

Agreed on the analog, but going digital makes no sense financially, as a new motor is in the future.

Thanks so much!

[tlwjkw]

Not neccessarily pressure change but a rough, loaded up idle and no change when ya pull tha vacume tube indicates its either bad or wayyyyyyyyyyyy off. But this could be 'cause its a 2.4 with wrong ecu and/or tps. No tellin' till ya identify what ya got. Especially on a computer............JMO

[K Boat Man]

Thanks JMO

OK the dumb question how to tell 2.4 from 2.5? Bought the boat with the plan of dropping on a 225 power head in place of the Bridgeport. Just want a cruiser.

[tlwjkw]

Picture of tha port side of tha block is easiest. Or if it has dowel pin heads also. One piece or two piece divider plate. Two piece usually has one tab on top and two tabs on bottom for mounting clam shell cowls even though they were hardly ever used except for some of tha "tryin' ta be sneaky" types.............

Lookin' at tha picture it looks like ya could put just about anything but a 3 liter on it and be fine..........Someone has taken pretty good care of it.

[K Boat Man]

Thanks.... I will check it out.

Just got back from the ramp and was running stone cold. Pulled thermostats and there are none, no form of restriction just rubber seals.

Could be the rich problem as TPS stays in cold start?

The boat is perfect condition and knew going in the Bridgeport would be an issue. The boat was a trade in at a Ford dealer so was unable to get history from the last owner. Like I said, just want to run it while looking for a good deal another power head. I have a blown alcohol flat bottom for running fast and just want a play boat.

[Rudeman89]

What kind of fuel are you running in it? This ethanol it screwing with every thing so I wouldn't rule that out.

[K Boat Man]

Next weekend I will run some 100 octane and install 1/8 fender washers in the thermostat ports since someone pulled out the stats.

Also, need to check poppet valve to see whats going with it. The cover plate has a dump tube and not sure that is stock or if should have a poppet valve?

Been a long for me and outboards, last mess with outboards in the 70s. Doing inboard stuff ever sense, but learning quick.

I will keep chipping away as long as compression is good.

Thanks again for all the help guys!!!!!

[rev.ronnie]

I think there is no cold start built into the ECU. There is a yellow wire with a red stripe that you power with 12 volts to enrichen on start up by pushing the key if it is wired that way. If it has power all the time, she'll be rich. I just got this squared away on my 2.5 with Tony Brucato's help.

[Steve Pope]

Chased the same problem with a bridgeport. It had a 2.5 ecu on it and we fixed it by fitting a 2.4 chip we got off John Marles.

[K Boat Man]

2.4 or 2.5?............Thanks

[tlwjkw]

2.4.....Ya need ta get tha ecu business straight first off. Whats tha number on tha ecu?

Oh yeah. Did ya get tha restrictors in? There should not have been a poppet in it.....

[FAST RALLY SPORT]

Looks to be a 2.4 from the old analog front horn half, and 2 piece exs. plate.

[K Boat Man]

Well my worst fears are coming true on the Bridgeport and someone clearly did not have any idea what makes a Bridgeport tick.

Feels like a bad movie....you want to leave, but you want to know how it ends!

OK......at least we are making progress........It's 2.4 engine based on your feedback and according to Tony at Brucato checked the ECU for function it was a 2.5. Agreed need to get a 2.4 ECU first thing or change chip based on an earler post?

Could get a digital from Tony but $1000 plus make no sense considering the overall Bridgeport issue?

Anyone out there have a working 2.4 ECU on the cheap? Where would the part munber be?

As for the cooling, I did install the 1/8 washers where stats should have been and did not check for poppet yet. As a side note, there is a elbow with dischage hose on cover plate.

As always.... I can't thank you guys enough.........The boat has got to be one of the nicest SSTs on the planet and needs to run like it looks!

[K Boat Man]

Got a plan.........Anyone have ECU part number 11350 A49 or any 11350? then will have the right chip installed.............Thanks

[Way2slow on H2O]

A-40, best chip for the Bridgeport

[laglass69]

The poppet plate with the discharge hose is correct for that motor. Shouldnt be any poppet valve in there. I think once you get the correct ECU on it, it should run like it should. You cant diagnose any other problems really until you get that straight. And I would premix that engine at 40:1 as you wont be turning over 8000rpms. 32:1 is alot of oil for that engine in my opinion. That should help it not load up and smoke so much. Plugs will last longer too.

[97 TWISTER]

I have an A-40 box I know works just ran it this weekend, I would let it go for $300.00

[K Boat Man]

Twister call me at 925-864-5150

[K Boat Man]

OK.......Thanks to Twister I have digital ecu on the way!

Have everything else done... resistor plugs installed, small barb fitting installed, jumped blue to orange wire off TPS, plugged TPS vacuum port.
Have not installed enrichment lead to yellow/black wire yet....Enough changes at one time for now....Will wait to make sure she runs.

Thanks Twister and everyone else for the feedback.... Will update the outcome this weekend.....Could not have done it without all the help.

[K Boat Man]

All fixed......Ran like a champ...........Thanks again!

[K Boat Man]

Well the Bridgeport gave me 2 trouble free weekends........but not to last as a problem showed up yesterday, just as I opened up my second beer..........Damn!

Starts, idles, and seems to come on to plane fine....Then the problem starts, feels like putting on the brakes, seems to be overall power loss not cylinders dropping out.


1. Fuel pressure @ 39 PSI idle.
2. Battery had fresh change.
3. Pulled plugs and look good.
4. Will check compression later.

One thing I forgot to mention..........I did notice it misfired at idle a couple of times, which it had never done previously to the problem.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

[laglass69]

Reeds

[STV_Keith]

What RPM do you figure it's dying at? The stator has a low speed and high speed circuit, which switches over about 3500rpm. If the high circuit of the stator were out (or on the way out), it would run well until 3500, then just basically quit.

[K Boat Man]

Interesting on the stator as the RPM would have been around 3500, but not sure exactly since I backed off as the problem started and wasn't watching the tach. The problem did seem to stop when I backed off........Less than 3500?

To clarify the engine did not quit when problem occurs just a big loss of power.

What is the procedure for checking the stator..........Thanks again!

[K Boat Man]

Anybody know the stator part number on a 2.4 EFI bridgeport?

[Tripps]

look for a little bump on top of head,cant see in pic no bump=2.4 bump=2.5 k boats rule and we need somp pics of k-t's tripps

[K Boat Man]

OK.......Installed new stator and still have a problems. Further observations as follows;

First a quick review of motor status before new problems.

1.Installed new used ECU A40 chip had analog for 2.5 on 2.4 motor
2.Had injectors checked and calibrated.
3.Compression 125 to 130 PSI
4.Installed resistor plugs.
5.Changed map sensor fitting.
6.Removed TPS per procedure.

Ran like a raped ape for a weekend.

Currently idles like crap...Hard starting at times, once started sounds right then drops slowing with occasional sputter and barely runs then dies.

Put your foot in it and starts to go then starts running bad and will not build RPM.

Current motor status:

1. New CDI stator.
2. New plugs.
3. Compression 125 to 130 PSI.
4. Full charged battery.
5. Fuel pressure at 39 @ idle and 35 off idle. (have inline gauge)
6. Hooked timing light to all six pug wire and showed firing.

Not quite sure where to go next...Could the ECU be acting up?

Just wanted one summer from this Bridgeport!

HELP!!!!!!!!!!

[pyro]

Did you actually check the timing, or just verify spark with the timing light?

I run a BP with a Brucato box and stock heads, 87 octane to 8000 rpm, has run strong for years.

[K Boat Man]

Thanks Pyro

Simply checked for spark.......timing should not have moved enough to cause all this?

[K Boat Man]

I know we all like pictures..........Here was the boat a couple of weeks ago before the latest problem.

[K Boat Man]

The latest update.

Replace rectifier and went to the ramp......no change same old @#$!.

So pulled the cover and tapped on the ECU cover with my knuckles and came it to life!

Will call Brucato in the morning for a new unit.

MORAL TO THE STORY......never spend $300 to save a $1,000 because it is probably it's too good to be true.

As always thanks for the feedback..........

[97 TWISTER]

Sorry to hear you are still having problems. Is this the way it acted before you installed the ECU I sold you. I ran that ECU for 3 years and never had any problems, as a matter of fact I ran it at the Three Lakes Shootout this year and it pushed me to 85 in 1000'. I quess I am just saying that 2 bad ECU's in one season would be strange but not impossible. I not sure what would cause it and maybe someone will chime in but maybe is something is shorting out yours ECU's. I really hate to see you spend the $$$ on a new one and end up in the same situation.

[K Boat Man]

Twister

Thanks for you response....I bought the boat knowing the motor had problems going in. The folks I bought it from had know idea what they had and some idiot started throwing the wrong parts at it. If you read the start of my post someone had installed a 2.5 analog on my 2.4. Most likely the only problem was the TPS, but like I said some idiot started throwing the wrong parts at it. So... with the help of S & F folks and Butcato who tested it and found it good, but determined it was for a 2.5. Then I sent out the SOS for a digital ECU with A40 chip for Bridgeport.

The ECU I got from you is really my first ECU since the original one was working but the wrong one. I have less than a total hour run time on the one I got from you before it began to act up. Additionally, I removed the cover on your ECU found several issues from missing screws holding PC board to base plate to the wrong chip (chip was A42 not A40)

[97 TWISTER]

Yuk I had no idea, I had never opened it up becasue it always worked. You send it back and I will give you your $300.00 back, not that your asking for it but I was just trying to be part of the solution not the problem. I will tell you that an A-42 will run that motor I run an A-48 on my Bridgeport and it runs like a raped ape. If you are willing to spend the money Brucato is the way to go. How did you determine it was a A-42 chip? I have an A-42 chip here that has about an hour run time on it I can send you free if you want to try that.

[K Boat Man]

Tripps..........Already determined it is a 2.4.....Wrong type of K, I have a Blown Alcohol Bezer Flat type K.

However, I did race (not KTs) when there was a KT class and I agree they were Cool.

[K Boat Man]

WOW..... Twister you are a Stand Up Guy!

When I got home from the ramp I removed the ECU cover to inspect and the chip was labeled 42. The 42 is for a 2.5 not a 2.4 from what I understand.

Give me a call tomorrow and we will figure something out on this deal. I don't have your number so give me a call at 925-864-5150. FYI... I never doubted your intentions which is why I was low key on my post, which was confirmed by your replies.

[K Boat Man]

Twister......Is your Bridgeport the ECU was on a 2.4 or 2.5? Is it stock? I was told by Jay Smith and others to run the A40 on 2.4 Bridgeport. I would think fuel curve would be different between A40 and A42. From what I could find the A42 was for a 2.5 @ 39 PSI fuel pressure with a higher RPM limit. Before the ECU totally gave up the ghost my pyrometer read 1000 degrees at 6500 RPM which seems rich to me, should be 1200 degrees or so? Plugs looked a little rich but also had idle time when checked plus who knows with the ECU acting up. OK...I should shut up, this kinda talk is beyond my 2 cycle expertise, some things should be left to a professional!

Anyway, I will talk to Tony in the morning when ordering the new ECU and get the low down on difference between chips or call John at US 1.

[97 TWISTER]

Yes my Bridgeport is bone stock. I am by no means an expert on ECU's and your Bridgeport is also 39PSI regulator(gold regulator) just like the 2.5's until you go to an A-63 Box than you need the black regulator 56 PSI . Anyhow 1000 degrees sounds a little rich but 1200 degrees can be trouble depending on where you have your pyrometer. Tony is the right guy and will know the answer. I will give you a call when I get 10 minutes to sit down and talk.

[K Boat Man]

I would like to publicly thank Twister for standing behind a used part, none the less a electrical part. He contacted me and offered a full refund. Keep in mind, I did not call him or even hint of a refund he was proactive on the issue.


High level demonstration of character in my book........

[FlatSleek]

I would like to publicly thank Twister for standing behind a used part, none the less a electrical part. He contacted me and offered a full refund. Keep in mind, I did not call him or even hint of a refund he was proactive on the issue.


High level demonstration of character in my book........

:iagree::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[pyro]

I have a spare analog A13 box with a TPS in my parts drawer.
I have not used it since getting the PCU a few years back. It was worth the upgrade.

I found the timing to be about 8 degrees off on my "freshly re-built" powerhead a while after installing it.

I thought the Merc digital boxes do not use a vacuum TPS?

[K Boat Man]

Thanks for the offer......I went to digital no TPS via the one purchased from Twister.

Timing was spot on and I will have a new PCU from Brucato on Friday.

Thanks Pyro......This website never cease to amaze me with how helpful folks are.......

[pyro]

You'll love the PCU. Make sure you got the steamwheel. It really helps for nursing a cold motor while pulling away from the ramp.

[K Boat Man]

Went to the river yesterday with new Brucato PCU installed and all fixed! Not only running right, picked nearly 5 MPH on the top end!

Thanks everyone!!!

[pyro]

"Tunnel Vision", I've seen that boat before. Sleekcraft jet boat converted to an outboard, right?

[K Boat Man]

That would be correct, Dano's old boat he sold years ago.

[97 TWISTER]

Glad to hear its working

[K Boat Man]

Thanks Twister!

[Tony Brucato]

Went to the river yesterday with new Brucato PCU installed and all fixed! Not only running right, picked nearly 5 MPH on the top end!

Thanks everyone!!!

Excellent! :thumbsup:

[K Boat Man]

Thanks Tony.......I call you later this week, I have a question on the idle circuit.