Genuine VP vs. aftermarket circulating pump?

[dsiekman]

Looking for opinions here. The local marina is selling a "genuine" VP circulating pump for a SBC for $150. The aftermarket pump is $75. As long as it is a new, true marine pump, is there any difference? Part of me doubts that VP actually makes their own pump. My assumption is that they outsource it to someone else...probably the same guy selling it as "aftermarket" for half the price.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Genuine VP vs. aftermarket circulating pump?

VP gets the circulating pump on the engine that they buy from GM

 

[gnathv]

Re: Genuine VP vs. aftermarket circulating pump?

The aftermarket one I bought for my AQ271C was identical to the original one that came off.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Genuine VP vs. aftermarket circulating pump?

Thanks, guys, that's pretty much what I was expecting.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Genuine VP vs. aftermarket circulating pump?

Glad I changed the pump before going out. I'm guessing she only had a few hours left...

 

[Don S]

Re: Genuine VP vs. aftermarket circulating pump?

You obviously boat in salt water, and you really need to find a way of keeping the front of your engine dry. There should NEVER be that much rust on a 2000 engine of any kind. Hate to think what the rest of the engine looks like.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Genuine VP vs. aftermarket circulating pump?

Actually, the rest of the engine is clean with the exception of the pulley just below which was a victim of the leaking pump. The starboard engine looks fine but the pump is being replaced anyway as I am sure it is time.

 

[Rixster510]

Re: Genuine VP vs. aftermarket circulating pump?

I ran in to the same thing last year. Ended up buying a water pump at auto zone for $45 instead of $150 from the fourwinns dealer. They were IDENTICAL.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Genuine VP vs. aftermarket circulating pump?

They were IDENTICAL.

They are not identical. Different seals and bearings and stainless steel or brass impeller on the marine one.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Genuine VP vs. aftermarket circulating pump?

Correct, a marine pump IS different than an automotive pump. These have stainless steel backing plates, brass plugs, etc.

Don't get me wrong, I'll still keep an eye on them. I typically follow the theory of "if it is too good to be true...", but over the last few years I have found several such deals on line. For instance, my OSCO manifolds and risers cost me less than $600/set. My mechanic couldn't even buy them at his cost from his parts guy for that. Had a similar thing happen a few years back with a new steering cable I picked up here on iboats. The parts guy at the marina wanted to know how I got it for less than his cost. It always pays to shop around but it also pays to know what you are buying.

 

[Rixster510]

Re: Genuine VP vs. aftermarket circulating pump?

They are not identical. Different seals and bearings and stainless steel or brass impeller on the marine one.

Thanks for the info. I should restate then, it looks the same on the outside. Sounds like I will be replacing a pump again in few years.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Genuine VP vs. aftermarket circulating pump?

Thanks for the info. I should restate then, it looks the same on the outside. Sounds like I will be replacing a pump again in few years.

Yeppers. If your boat ever sees salt water it could be a lot sooner.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Genuine VP vs. aftermarket circulating pump?

Even without salt water there will be a problem. An automotive water pump runs with anti freeze which has certain lubrication properties which helps the seals. The marine water pump is designed to run with plain water and no lubricant