• Marine diesel engine diagnostic tools allow you to see what's wrong with your system.boat image by pearlguy from Fotolia.com
  
  There's nothing worse than having engine troubles when you are on a body of water in the middle of nowhere. But, there are software programs and hardware kits that will help you diagnose what is wrong with your engine. These systems will read your engine and provide you with error codes to help you narrow down what is wrong with your system.
  
  

CDI Outboard Engine

• The CDI Outboard Engine Diagnostic Tool Kit and Software is a suite of products that assists you in determining what is wrong with your engine. The software program runs diagnostic tests on your engine, and uses a Microsoft Windows operating system, which means that it is compatible with most PCs. It will search for the engine failure codes, and then output this information to you. The hardware kit contains tools to help you get moving again, including a DVA (direct voltage adapter) and a multimeter tester, which measures electrical currents, voltage and electrical resistance. You can store these tools within the carrying case provided with the kit. This tool is compatible with Mercury 2001, Optimax, EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection), I/0 (inboard/outboard drive) and Verado engines.
  
  

Diacom Marine

• This software program is compatible with Windows XP, Vista and 7, and is for both stern and inboard engines. You can install this software on your laptop, which means that you even diagnose problems out at sea. It is compatible with the following engines: Crusader, MerCruiser, Mercury outboard, Pleasurecraft Marine, Volvo Penta, Illmor, Indmar, Flagship Marine, Marine Power, Panther Airboats and Kodiak. It allows you to view and monitor your engine's performance, and it also allows you to view system error codes. Other features of this program include the ability to capture data in real time, and you can choose to print out reports or export them to other programs installed on your computer.
  
  

MEDS

• The CDI Marine Engine Diagnostic (MEDS) Software and Hardware Package is compatible with the following engines: Mercruiser, Yamaha 4-Stroke, Yamaha HPDI and Mercury 4-Stroke, Plus, Optimax and Verado. This program is compatible with the Windows operating system. It allows you to view error codes and run tests on the engine. It also allows you to view the run-time history of your engine, which means that it will record any information on the engine while it is in operation. Other features include the ability to run cylinder tests and save the diagnostic information on your computer.