Thread: Mounting the computer

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There are two styles of ECMs for the industry; sealed and not sealed. You should look at two things to determine which you have..... first, where was the ECM mounted in the original installation? If it was mounted in the engine compartment, it is a sealed unit (with the exception of the breather vent hole). There should be a gasketed type connector(s) on these units. Examples are Chrysler NGC or the GM Vortec controllers. The new Ford Side Exit controllers are sealed. If the unit has a vent plug (a black round plug with a GoreTex center, the unit should be mounted so that the vent plug does not get a direct spray from a car wash.

IF the ECM was originally mounted in the passenger compartment, it is not sealed. Examples are the Ford EEC module and the typical GM ECM. The Ford EEC module has a colored connector gasket but the housing is not sealed on many modules...there was an unsealed programming port on the back side.

The most rugged modules are the engine mounted controllers like the Cummins series and some of the inline six cylinder GM models. They are designed to handle the temperature and shock of being bolted directly to the block...a harsh environment.

Other than the vent plug orientation to keep the spray out, the ECM doesnt care what the mounting orientation is. There is no way to mount the ECM so that the connectors self-drain....if the unit is mounted in the engine compartment, it must be sealed!

If you can, try to use the original mounting isolators (the rubber shock mounts). In the engine compartment, the heat and shock are what kill the ECM. Look at a stock installation to see how it was originally mounted. Many GM underhood ECMs had a mounting cradle...like the Vortec controller.

Mike in Tucson