Automobile parts for Marine motors?
AMK100
4cyl Mercruiser, which uses a GM block. Can I use non-marine parts safely on
the motor? For example I priced a starter and a rebuilt one from a marine
supply place was $150.00 and I know that a starter for a 4 cyl GM motor is MUCH
cheaper. I know the starter will work mechanically, but is there something
else different between the starters that justifies the drastic price
difference?
Thanks......
Tony
Tan PS
The only reason the Mercruiser unit costs more is because it has the
"Marine" word connected to it.
Now, I wouldn't go substituting everything else, each should be considered
in its own right.
Tan PS
"AMK100" <amk...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20000501205006...@ng-cp1.aol.com...
Marcus G Bell
> "AMK100" <amk...@aol.com> wrote in message
> > A stupid question, but I have to ask. I am rebuilding my 19'
> > Glastron with a 4cyl Mercruiser, which uses a GM block. Can I
> > use non-marine parts safely on the motor? For example I priced
> > a starter and a rebuilt one from a marine supply place was
> > $150.00 and I know that a starter for a 4 cyl GM motor is MUCH
> > cheaper. I know the starter will work mechanically, but is
> > there something else different between the starters that
> > justifies the drastic price difference?
The possible inclusion of items that decrease its tendency to
ignite the gasoline vapors in your bilge, for one. That should be
worth something, if there is indeed a difference.
Tan PS (qystan@spammer_magix.com.sg) wrote:
> In this case, it is highly unlikely the starter will have any
> difference. The only reason the Mercruiser unit costs more is
> because it has the "Marine" word connected to it. Now, I
> wouldn't go substituting everything else, each should be
> considered in its own right.
How unlikely? 1 in a 100 unlikely? One in a thousand?
I would prefer that a piece of electrical equipment meant to go in
the bilge come with the assurance that "I have examined the auto
and marine units closely and they carry the same part number and
are in fact the same unit."
-- -- Marcus. ( be...@mail.med.upenn.edu )
Dick Lucas
the distributor had fine screens across all of the ventilation holes in
their cases. The function of these fine screens is to snuff out any flames
which are ignited by sparking within the unit. The screen is fine enough
that it cools the flames and kills them. Depending on what has failed in
your old starter, you can swap out parts from a rebuilt unit, or simply buy
replacement parts. Bearings, brushes, regulators are all available. If the
rotor or stator are bad, you could swap from a rebuilt unit.
Other differences in marinized engines have to do with the corrosive effects
of water. Usually, the head gasket is different, and the freeze plugs are
brass, rather than galvanized steel. On an old 6-cyl Mercruiser operated in
salt water, my son put in galvanized freeze plugs. They had to be replaced
within weeks! Another difference, which can cause something akin to a
religious discussion is the cam profile. I believe that marinized engines
have a cam which is closer to a truck grind, but I'm no expert on that.
Dick Lucas
Tan PS wrote in message <8ep9i8$mmc$1...@mawar.singnet.com.sg>...
>In this case, it is highly unlikely the starter will have any difference.
>
>The only reason the Mercruiser unit costs more is because it has the
>"Marine" word connected to it.
>
>Now, I wouldn't go substituting everything else, each should be considered
>in its own right.
>
>Tan PS
>
>"AMK100" <amk...@aol.com> wrote in message
>news:20000501205006...@ng-cp1.aol.com...
>> A stupid question, but I have to ask. I am rebuilding my 19' Glastron
>with a
>> 4cyl Mercruiser, which uses a GM block. Can I use non-marine parts
>safely on
>> the motor? For example I priced a starter and a rebuilt one from a
marine
>> supply place was $150.00 and I know that a starter for a 4 cyl GM motor
is
>MUCH
>> cheaper. I know the starter will work mechanically, but is there
>something
>> else different between the starters that justifies the drastic price
>> difference?
>>
>> Thanks......
>>
>> Tony
>
>
RHayes7782
Please do not use an automotive starter or alternator on any boat. The marine
version is spark protected. Many explosions have been caused when people use
automotive parts. You must also a flame arestor on top or the carb. In my
experience it is less expensive to buy the marine parts first.
Good Luck,
Bob