Drying out computer componets under seat

[clovis911]

We got over 4 inches of rain yesterday in Dallas, and my 85 Targa had about 1/2 inch of water on the floorboards. Porschepeople, how do I dry out the computer stuff under my drivers seat, and get back on the road. I am stuck for the time being....TIA

[RickM]

I'd take the ECU apart (Cover and layered PC board) as if you were replacing the chip and run a low-heat blow dryer over it until well dried. Also, make certain that all conectors aren't waterlogged or rusted when dry. You may want to call the Electronic rebuilders to ask them.

BTW, the rebuilders typically don't do work on water damaged equipment.

[axl911]

Mine too, although not as bad.

Why is it that Porsche can't keep water out or oil in?

But in your case clovis, I would take the DME out, open it and dry it gently with a hair dryer set on low. I would also get some contact cleaner spray and spray it on connectors and contact points to make sure you don't get corrosions.

---
anthony

[HawgRyder]

When electronic components have gotten wet....
First do not dry it immediately with hot air....
Soak the heck out of it with alcohol (isopropyl or rubbing - without lanolin).
Then after wetting and cleaning with an old toothbrush if necessary to get all the suspended particles off the board....you can dry it more easily.
The whole idea is to get rid of the stuff that the water carries in with it.
After all this....fire it up.
In the shop we use current limited power supplies to do this so that if there is a short it does less damage.
Good luck
Bob

[Early_S_Man]

Use 91% Isopropyl alcohol ... and after soaking, put a Windex spray head & cap on the bottle and use that for irrigating and rinsing off any loose visible contamination. A 1/2" natural bristle paint brush is good for cleaning the ECU boards along with the alcohol. Clean both sides of the boards! Compressed air @ 25 psi will help knock particles off the board, followed by hair dryer on low to dry off.

Be sure to clean the connectors ... both the connector on the harness, and the ECU. Use lots of isopropyl alcohol sprayed 'up' into the connector and let drain out with all contaminants. Spray and rinse until the connectors look pristine and shiny!

It could take several hours to complete the cleaning, so don't get in a hurry! You will probably need to take several breaks during the process.

[Emission]

Wow. I learned something today. Thanks for the info.

[agabriel]

That hair dryer to could generate a lot of static electricity....

[RickM]

Is there not a relay in the ECU? I would think this needs extra special attention. If it has a plastic cover you can usually unclip it. Make sure the contact are clean and dry.

And that compressed air sounds like a great idea on anything wired under your seat.

[RickM]

Quote: "That hair dryer to could generate a lot of static electricity...."

If being used on hair and in low humidity.

[Early_S_Man]

To all 3.2 Targa and Cabrio owners (and transplants using the factory wiring harness and location) that have ever noticed a significant leak in the cabin ... here is a suggestion to avoid a 'drowned' DME:

Drill a hole at the lowest point of the pan on the side of the DME, and install a rubber headlamp drain nipple ... then put 4 large plastic 'sliders' intended for wooden dining chairs underneath the carpet to provide drainage to the rubber 'nipple' ...

[Early_S_Man]

Well, if the DME relay 'sloshes' when shaken, the same method could be used on it, but at $40 or so ... not the monetary liability of an ECU!!! Cleaning its' connector would be a good idea, regardless.