Posted on by daan

Volvo Penta EDC conversion

EDC computer TAMD73P-A

Volvo Penta EDC

Volvo Penta EDC stands for Electronic Diesel Control, various engine types between the years 1995-2005 are equipped with it; TAMD72P-A, TAMD73P-A, TAMD74P-A, TAMD75P-A, KAD44P-A, KAD44P-B, KAD300P.

It is the predecessor of the EVC system, and the control panels are also different. The first versions came with separate round buttons, from newer ones with a control panel.

  • EDC old type panel
  • EDC new type panel
  • EDC control
The EDC system works with an electronic control, which sends the throttle position to the ECU. The ECU then controls the fuel pump, gearbox (or sterndrive) and starter motor. Various sensors are also connected to the system for the self-diagnosis function and alarms. For various reasons, the ECUs from the EDC system can fail at some point and that is where the problems start, Volvo Penta could no longer supply them with the older types in mid-2021. This would mean that the boat cannot longer be used, as long as another control system is built on it..!

Conversion from EDC to J1939 ECU

Q2 2021 I realized a conversion to a double engine installation TAMD73P-A 24V with double steering station, by eliminating the complete EDC system and therefore no longer being dependent on the Volvo Penta ECU. What will be preserved are the control panels/buttons, instruments, alarms and throttles on the steering stations. Installation of another electronic controller on the fuel pump which works together with a J1939 ECU. The signals from the steering station are sent to a DCU (Diesel Control Unit), which controls the various alarms, circuits (including reverse gears) and the J1939 ECU via the CAN bus.

  • J1939 ECU
  • Installation new fuel pump
  • Installation new fuel pump governer
  • DCU box wiring
  • Flywheel sensor RPM
  • DCU controlbox
  • DCU configuration
  • EDC wiring connectors

After the installation of these components, which are mainly used in commercial seagoing and inland shipping, the customer is again assured of reliable control of the engines and gearboxes. Of course, the various circuits and adjustment still caused the necessary headaches, but in the end it works and runs excellent!

J1939 ECU tuning

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