Mercruiser OEM vs. AFTERMARKET parts Opinions please

[Homerr]

I am looking at an engine coupler for a Mercruiser.<br /><br />I found the OEM coupler going from $250 at Mercruiserparts.com to $213 elsewhere on the net.<br /><br />Now I found an aftermarket one (no brand name given) for $119.<br /><br />What kind of quality can I expect here? <br />I know the old saying, "you get what you pay for"<br /><br />Does anyone here have practical experience in using the aftermarket stuff? <br /><br />My mechanic will not use aftermarket at all. He claims it's all junk. Can't say I don't blame him, since OEM is always a good choice when in doubt.<br /><br />I was also wondering about the aftermarket gimbal parts, bellows and the like..<br /><br />Will it last?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />H.

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Mercruiser OEM vs. AFTERMARKET parts Opinions please

OF COURSE IT'S JUNK TO HIM........50% OF 119.00 OR 50% OF 250.00...Which makes more money for him? Now that we got that out of the way.....MOST generic parts are as good, BUT sometimes there is an exception as there are to OEM parts. Sometimes the generic is better..MOST manufactures do NOT make all of their own parts and use subcontractors, the AFTERMARKET stuff!

 

[GarageGuy42]

Re: Mercruiser OEM vs. AFTERMARKET parts Opinions please

Homerr<br />I got some bellows,engine coupler,gimbal bearing,lift hoses(stainless steel),water pump,and new lift cylinders from Napa auto parts. I don't know if they are in your neck of the wood's. I just asked for a marine catalog. It's about 3 inches thick and has everything under the sun. The quality looked ok to me. I put that load of stuff on 4-5 years ago and haven't had a lick of problems. I know I saved about 40% versus merc prices. If I recall all of that was $700. I know for sure the coupler was $110.<br />Don't know if that helped but there you are

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Mercruiser OEM vs. AFTERMARKET parts Opinions please

Look at it from the mechanic's point of view. He knows the OEM part will fit and will work, plus has a no-hassle 1 year parts and labor warranty. An aftermarket part may or may not fit, wasting the mechanic's time if that happens. Also, for most warranties, the part has to be sent back, then wait to see if they will replace it. Labor is normally not included and you would not be happly if he charged you to change out a defective part.<br /><br />This is not to say other parts are no good, but many times they lose money for someone in business and the customer gets "pissed off" when there is another problem.

 

[Homerr]

Re: Mercruiser OEM vs. AFTERMARKET parts Opinions please

Yes, I agree with all of you. I know he's trying to make some money.<br /><br />But from $119 to $250? That's half price! You just have to wonder about the quality. You don't want parts to fail around the gimbal etc...<br /><br />Anyhow, the place in question is: amarket.com<br />Anyone deal with this place? How are they?<br /><br />And yes, I have a Napa around here too. I'll see if they have a marine book or go to their internet site.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />H.

 

[Trent]

Re: Mercruiser OEM vs. AFTERMARKET parts Opinions please

Iv been using aftermarket parts for years (Sierra) and have not had any problem at all.

 

[Homerr]

Re: Mercruiser OEM vs. AFTERMARKET parts Opinions please

Thanks for the information. It helps.<br /><br />Ever heard of GLM brand parts?<br /><br />EBasicpower.com offers this. Any comments on this site?<br /><br />H.

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Mercruiser OEM vs. AFTERMARKET parts Opinions please

homer, alot of the time the choice a tech makes on which parts to use have nothing to do with quality...and everything to do with warrantee coverage....that coupler you are buyin..if it was to be installed in someones shop and you are payin the ticket, do you put in the one from the company that will just replace that defective coupler, or the one from the guys who will Pay the Labor to get that part back in? You are not wantin to pay for the same job twice, are you? You think the shop manager wants to give away that time? Warrantees always cost.....