Mercruiser vs. Sierra small parts?

[garyoNC]

I need to replace some small parts such as molded hoses, filters, etc. I noticed that the Sierra line is cheaper than true blue Mercruiser, but are they as good? Any recommended place to buy online?


Thanks

 

[tommays]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Sierra small parts?

Well NOW that the merc hoses are from CHINA i think it is hard to say what the current quality is


Tommays

 

[garyoNC]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Sierra small parts?

That's funny because as I removed the hoses I noticed that they were held on with cheap mild steel hose clamps, already rusting, and you guessed it, made in china. The engine and drive unit were supposedly just rebuilt, I wish I knew where that was done so as not to ever go there!

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Sierra small parts?

Merc nor Volvo use SS hose clamps on the engine since it's supposed to stay dry. The ones used on the drive, however, are good SS clamps.

 

[garyoNC]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Sierra small parts?

How can that be? The engine compartment is very wet, warm, and humid. Anything that can rust will.

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Sierra small parts?

How can that be?

Ask Merc! They don't consult anybody on this forum in the design and choosing of parts for their engines.

 

[garyoNC]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Sierra small parts?

Don,

I hear ya. Any advice about Merc vs. Sierra parts? Or best place to order online?

Thanks
Gary

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Sierra small parts?

Where I am working now, they do not use Mercruiser OEM parts as the last place I worked. I now see a lot of sierra stuff. Personally, just in the fit and quality of parts, I would pay more for the Merc parts. I have found problems with gaskets that don't quite fit in the carb kits, and outdrive install kits. Orings and seals that just aren't right. Shift cables that don't move near as easily as Merc cables. While it all is usable, it's just not exactly right.,
Nothing I have seen would make me change from OEM.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Sierra small parts?

Where I am working now,....

Kinda nice to be working in the relative dry, huh Don? Just spent my week in Ketchikan (three weeks ago) and I gathered that cloudy and wet was the definite norm.

Went prepared for wetter and colder than it actually was so I was never uncomfortable sitting out in 20 foot boats all day, but it made me wonder why I was enduring it when our own summers (sic) are so short.

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Sierra small parts?

Sierra is just a clearing house, I don't believe they make anything. I replaced my Ball Gears and Seals and like mentioned here, MADE IN CHINA! We'll see how long they last. These days there just isn't much made in the the good ol USA. I would think if you are getting smaller parts like hoses, clamps, brackets etc, Sierra is fine. I use their fuel filters and tune up kits and never had any problems. For larger parts such as bearings, gears and things like that, I would try to go with anything other than parts from China (if possible).