Hi freeman,
ECU built until '90 is very tough, still running well till today.
ECU from '91~'96 (or up to '00) was using new material that has shorter life spand (intentionally or unintentionally?). Periodically "technical check-up" is recomended to avoid the unwanted hassel.
E-tech,
Personally, i do not recomend to trick the ECU. ECU is categorize as life threathening item. Each and every process that relates with ECU need to be handle with extreme care. Tricking the ECU is just like removing the ABS or seatbelt from your car. It put one's life in danger! Each and every item that use in the car is engineered to its highest reliability level to safe guard human life. We should not simply alter it unless we know that the replacement item has meet the safety requirement. When it comes to repairing the ECU, one shall involve the knowledge of parts sourcing, manufacturing, QA, reliability, safety etc. It is not just replacing the cap.
So you know what to do with that ECU