Idea for a sticky

R

Rick D

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Hello all.

Aside from ignition issues, there are certainly some regular automotive parts the can be used in a marine environment at a significant cost savings.

For example, when I had to replace my flywheel, I paid a fraction of the cost of a merc flywheel by going to the local auto parts store and ordering for GM 350.

So, to help boaters on a budget, can the people of this forum share what parts they know to be 100% compatible with their marine equivalent? Maybe make it a sticky?

Thoughts?

--Rick
 
I asked our marina service manager about this.
I was going to convert my generator
His answer was a BIG NO
Major liability and insurance issues involved.
Your choice however.
 
quote:
Originally posted by About Time

I asked our marina service manager about this.
I was going to convert my generator
His answer was a BIG NO
Major liability and insurance issues involved.
Your choice however.

Click to expand...


You asked him about what?... how to convert a non marine generator to a marine generator? I fully understand why he objected.

I not referring to ignition protected pieces of equipment, I'm referring to parts like the a flywheel and a harmonic balancer... both of which appear to be identical to their Merc counterpart but cost significantly less.

--Rick
 
Rick, I see where you're coming from. My example, I had a power steering pump go bad on on a volvo penta 5.0gxi circa 2001. Volvo part was something like $400. My mechanic picked up the same unit as a GM part at an auto parts store for $150. Required no modifications. Glad he thought to check there, I had no idea.
 
I found out that Federated Auto sells the exact same fuel pump for the early 90's 7.4L Mecr; the setup where the fuel pump is run in combination with the sea water pump. The only differences is one is painted black and cost almost double. Mecr never manufactured the part; they purchase them from a manufacture just like Federated Auto does.
 
With many auto parts stores, especially Napa, they can cross reference your part number for you. Caterpillar parts are a lot cheaper from Napa too. Especially belts, hoses, filters, and the like. That is the first place I check when I need something. I have started to keep a spreadsheet with the cross referenced part numbers.

But I would not post them here. There are way to many different combinations and years. And what would work for one may not for the other. Especially if you have a new year or year end model. The boat might be a 1997 but the motor a 1996 or 1999, or in the case of my port motor new. The part may be just enough different that a person wastes money on a part or worse spends half a day trying to fit a 32/35" part in a 31/35" hole.
 
The "hard" parts are the same. Ignition & starting parts have to be approved though. Of course there are a slew of parts that just aren't made for the auto industry so you have to stick with "marine" parts. I replaced my oil pan several years ago. Well, stamped steel is stamped steel. I bought the Merc item just to be sure, but the box clearly showed made in Canada for GM. I won't do that again.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Stephen

The "hard" parts are the same. Ignition & starting parts have to be approved though. Of course there are a slew of parts that just aren't made for the auto industry so you have to stick with "marine" parts. I replaced my oil pan several years ago. Well, stamped steel is stamped steel. I bought the Merc item just to be sure, but the box clearly showed made in Canada for GM. I won't do that again.

Click to expand...


Stephen, what am I missing ? Because the oil pan was made in Canada; it wouldn’t fit your Merc engine ? You wouldn’t do that again. I don’t understand.
 
I think he means he would have bought the non-Merc, exact oil pan from GM. But I should let him clarify.

edit:
There are many parts that Merc uses that they buy and paint black. The cost of a quick coat of black paint doubles the price.
 
Like John said, Napa has a marine line of parts. In fact, the part #'s are the same as Sierra. Even more interesting, The parts available in the Napa (or Sierra) catalog and not in the BF catalog can still be ordered thru BF using the Napa or Sierra part # but with a Sierra prefix. Geo used to order parts all the time for me that way.
 
This sounds like a good idea to me.

I would think that an owner would know if he "The boat might be a 1997 but the motor a 1996 or 1999, or in the case of my port motor new."

If the owner is not that savy then he/she will also not be into purchasing parts.

George
 
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