A big note of caution is needed when using automotive parts in a marine
application:
"One of the most common questions my marina customers ask me on a daily
basis is what is the difference between marine and auto parts. Many
people will ask for a part and when given a price will tell me that they
can get the same part at the local auto parts store for half the price.
It is something that people in the marine industry have been dealing
with for many years. Most boaters are not aware of the differences in
automotive parts as compared to marine and in some cases your life can
depend on it. The parts with the most differences are the electrical and
fuel systems, exhaust systems and cooling systems. Also, for many of the
parts, it is illegal to use parts on your vessel that are not US Coast
Guard approved.
In an enclosed engine compartment if there are any gas fumes there is
the chance of fire. Electrical components for marine engines are meant
to resist having exposed areas where there will be spark. Items such as
fuel pumps, alternators and starters are all special for marine use. It
is not uncommon a marine starter to be more than double its automotive
counterpart. Marine spark plugs are built with stainless casings so they
do not rust into the engine heads.
Cooling systems are another area where the automotive part is usually
significantly less costly than its marine counterpart. In a sterndrive
engine, the base engine is nearly identical to the automotive engine
internally. However, the automotive engine is built with the intention
of having a specialized coolant running through it helping prevent
corrosion. Most sterndrive engines are cooled by water. If an automotive
circulating water pump is used it will generally not last very long. In
engines cooled with salt water they may only last a few months. Marine
circulating pumps have special seals and are made with stainless and
bronze internal components to prevent corrosion.
Marine fuel systems are far different than automotive systems. On a
marine engine that is carbureted, the carburetor itself is built to
prevent fuel from overflowing and spilling onto a hot engine. On a fuel
injected engine in auto use the fuel pumps are generally located inside
the fuel tank. In boats, for safety reasons, the fuel pump or pumps are
located on the engine, secured on special brackets and connected with
special fuel lines and wiring to prevent spills and stray sparks.
Engine internals are also specially built to handle what boats are made
for, low end torque and camshafts meant to run at higher RPM's for
sustained time periods.
The proper parts may cost you more money when you purchase them, but for
your safety and the safety of those boating with you remember that
marine parts are the only way to go."
Bill Bina
On 5/16/2013 8:39 AM, Damien Morrissey wrote:
Bob M.
I had a full season of A4 issues last year and finally found a
mechanic who was willing and able to visit the 'ole gal and diagnose
my engine issues. These issues were related to smooth and consistant
running, especially when it was warmed up. He found the problems
were all related the ignition and sparking system, so he replaced the
coil, plugs, wires, distributer, rotor, points, belts etc. It runs
as good or better now than it has in a long time. I found the parts
list on Stu's site and was able to get all the parts from Napa.
I hope your fix is this easy and cheap.
Good Luck
Damien
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