Best way to store spare ECU's?

[JC220]

Hi all

I keep my spares "hoard" In my garage attic which is warm and dry for almost all year except cold maybe in winter but still dry. (Cavity walls with tiled roof)

For long term storage of ECU's what's the best method? Zip lock bag with a small packet of disiccant silica gel? Or just in a cardboard box? Little relays I'm not so concerned about it's engine ECU's. I'm afraid the pins might corrode or moisture get inside after years of storage.

On the subject - how about petrol injectors? Plastic Tupperware box with some light oil in it such as wd40? Or store them dry in little baggies?

 

[gsxr]

Attics are generally not a good storage spot for electronics (or, plastic body parts!) due to the large temperature swings daily. Hot during the day, cool at night, x365. You want to store them somewhere the temperature is stable, or at least changes slowly - ideally, an insulated garage or other living space. The silica pack is a good idea. You can use an ESD bag if you're really paranoid.

I'm not sure about injector storage, but a light film of oil externally to prevent corrosion would make sense, along with plastic caps on top & bottom to seal the inlet & outlet ports.

 

[gerryvz]

CAN computer modules are designed to be used in fairly harsh and relatively high-temperature engine compartments, so I would not be TOO worried about temperatures affecting them. I don't think there are too many naturally occurring temperatures, even in an attic with limited circulation and higher-than-ambient temps in the summer, that could negatively affect a CAN module. Particularly in the UK/Ireland.

I also don't think that enclosing ECUs in a plastic bag is a good idea, simply because plastic has the potential to trap moisture.

I had many if not most of my spare parts stored in my garage attic in Houston, and some in the lower (ground) part of the garage shop itself. Not optimal, although I didn't see any problems as a result of it. However, unless you live in a moderate climate, I would recommend putting parts -- particularly soft parts -- in as cool and dark a place as possible.

Since moving to Maryland, all parts except my service parts (filters, etc.) are organized and stored in my basement, where it is very cool year-around, and climate-controlled via my house's HVAC system. I consider this optimal.

 

[JC220]

Thanks Dave! I should clarify that the temps in my garage attic are very stable since our Irish climate stays fairly cool all year around

I've had parts up there for 15+ years and it does keep metal parts rust free and plastic parts straight so it is a good place to store my spares

 

[JC220]

I also don't think that enclosing ECUs in a plastic bag is a good idea, simply because plastic has the potential to trap moisture.

That’s a good point Gerry and I tend to agree. So I have went for a selection of plastic storage boxes for the long term storage of spare relays, modules and ECU’s. These particular plastic tubs are not sealed – the lid and case is waterproof but all around the edge where the lid sets on are ventilation slots for free flow of air and to prevent condensation etc. A snapshot of a couple of the crates being used: (Around 50 crates in total being used)

 

[gerryvz]

Exactly what I use for small parts, with labels on the end of each bin to detail the contents.

 

[JC220]

Exactly what I use for small parts, with labels on the end of each bin to detail the contents.

Yes I am labelling boxes too but the detail varies quite a bit. For relays etc I am listing PN's and qtys. But for other items I am categorizing them such as "Interior plastic Trim" as there are too many parts to begin listing each and every PN. It's a hell of a step forward from what I had before which was parts randomly stacked everywhere!

My hoard will never reach GSXR level of organisation such as spread sheets etc that I bet he has