OEM parts pricing

[sailorboy1]

I got a new starter last week for my Yanmar 4JH3 for $71.90. It was an aftermarket unit and with 2 day shipping it came to $105. Today while looking for something else I found a Yanmar of $537!!!! Heck even the OEM solenoid was $103.

While maybe I can believe the OEM starter is better (not really), but come on now just how insulting can they me?

I also note that when web searching I got lots of aftermarket $71.90 hits and nothing came up with that OEM unit in the 3 pages I brothered to look at.

[Vasco]

Hey Yanmar is cheap!! Try pricing Volvo parts!

[DeborahLee]

Hey good luck. Tried 2 after market starters for my 3gm30 and both broke the end bell on the gear end. Luckly for me I was able to get the broken pieces out with out having to tear down the engine.Went back with the $400 OEM. Search around here I wasn't the only one. Look under 3gm30, maybe it was only the 3gm starters.

[Celestialsailor]

As noted Don from the other posts. Yes...OEM's are expensive. But so are the repairs after the Chinese ones give up the ghost. Not mentioned yet, so I will, is to have your old starter rebuilt in the US. Might cost you $100-$200.
I had a Volvo 2003 (junk) and the starter for that was $600 in 1993!!!

[sailorboy1]

The OEM starter from my boat is acturally made by Hatichi and the same model was used on various makes of engnes and tractors.

There is no way you are going to convince me that price difference is justified (750%) it is just Yanmar sticking it to people. Starters are one of those commodity electric items.

[Jim Cate]

Still, Don, depending on what was wrong with the original starter, you might get it rebuilt and carry it as a spare... just in case these folks are right and the aftermarket ones are not so good.

Cheers,

Jim

[colemj]

Originally Posted by Vasco

Hey Yanmar is cheap!! Try pricing Volvo parts!

Have you actually tried that? You might be surprised. Look at post #11 here: http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...lvo-30696.html

Mark

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

Still, Don, depending on what was wrong with the original starter, you might get it rebuilt and carry it as a spare... just in case these folks are right and the aftermarket ones are not so good.

Cheers,

Jim

the old one burned up because the start button stuck keeping it energized

I thought about getting it rewound, but for the price I can buy 2.5 new starters for spares.

[S/V Antares]

Quite a few Japanese small diesels share starters. My old westerbeke was a mitsubishi based conversion. Since the engine had been underwater (Sunk) I got a replacement starter for a forklift $150 vs $450 from westerbeke

Some electrical items look the same but are not certified for below deck use. "Marine" means it passes SAEJ1171 specs. Alternators, sensors, pumps, etc. must pass this requirement. Automotive or industrial look alikes may not. It is about sparks /ignition in a gas filled environment. The difference might just be a shield or screen around brushes or contacts.

With a diesel it may not seem like a big deal but insurance companies or a good surveyor might disagree.

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by S/V Antares

Quite a few Japanese small diesels share starters. My old westerbeke was a mitsubishi based conversion.

Sounds like the W46 I have. It was based on the Mits 4DQ5

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by Don Lucas

The OEM starter from my boat is acturally made by Hatichi

Is the new $72 one Hitachi?

[bstreep]

I've thought of starting up a website just for OEM part sources, just like this one. Yanmar, in particular, really, really ticks me off on their parts policy.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by bstreep

I've thought of starting up a website just for OEM part sources, just like this one. Yanmar, in particular, really, really ticks me off on their parts policy.

One of the nice things about owning a Gemini was the owners group.

Not that large it seems but I think some just read posts. Some very helpful stuff.

Gems have had Westerbekes for a long time and there are a multitude of parts from all over that folks have used with success. Not positive about the starter but fuel pumps, alternators, thermostats, solenoids, relays, etc.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by bstreep

I've thought of starting up a website just for OEM part sources, just like this one. Yanmar, in particular, really, really ticks me off on their parts policy.

Great idea! Please do so, and I'll be a user and perhaps a contributor.

Cheers,

Jim

[barnakiel]

VP original parts are more expensive per weight than the most expensive dried ham here ... how come they are made of cast iron, not gold?

I think we can add 'manufacturing fake original VP parts' to the top of our 'how to make my first million(s) and go cruising ever after' list ;-)

b.