Alternator belts Genunine v Generic

Bigplumbs

Bigplumbs

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I have read several threads about peoples engine belts going at sea and thought I would carry a spare. I have surfed around and no surprise genunine parts seem to be at least 4 times the price of belts you can find on the net. Some people are also saying that the genunine (Mercruiser in the case I found) are not as good as the generic belts you can buy.

For my mercruiser 3 ltr I have found this £4 v £21

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A-SECTION-V-BELT-SIZES-A16-A46-V-BELT-13MM-X-8MM-/190656258660

I have bought one to see if it looks ok (why not at that price) What do others do ?

Dennis
 
Personally I will always buy genuine parts for the engines. The aftermarket part may be as good as the original, may even be better but you have no way of knowing. There's a lot of naff stuff being produced in China (and elsewhere). Your £17 saving won't feel like a good deal if it leaves you stranded somewhere.
 
I have been turning spanners now for nearly 40 years ...both automotive and marine....with belts, either auxilliary drive or timing, I only ever use Gates...one of the worlds largest OEM suppliers ... Not the cheapest but the best.
 
adey said:
Personally I will always buy genuine parts for the engines. The aftermarket part may be as good as the original, may even be better but you have no way of knowing. There's a lot of naff stuff being produced in China (and elsewhere). Your £17 saving won't feel like a good deal if it leaves you stranded somewhere.
Click to expand...

But how do we know if the 'Genuine parts' are or are not also produced in China or elsewhere !?
 
heart of oak said:
I have been turning spanners now for nearly 40 years ...both automotive and marine....with belts, either auxilliary drive or timing, I only ever use Gates...one of the worlds largest OEM suppliers ... Not the cheapest but the best.
Click to expand...

+1 I always specify and use Gates belts.
Even if you buy "Volvo" or "Mercruiser" genuine parts, they will have probably been made by Gates anyway.

It's especially important when fitting timing belts, less so with alternator belts, but for simplicity I just ask for Gates regardless.
 
what I did was took the old belt into halfords and found one the same size for 6 quid versus 24 from the boat place, 4 for the price of one . :encouragement:
 
Someone I know had a Gates alternator belt fail on a VP engine after a very short life. It was fitted by the owner who is a professional mechanic. The Volvo Penta belt that replaced it has been fine.
How do you identify whether you have the best grade of Gates belt ...........and if it is the best grade is it any cheaper than VP?

I have only owned Volvo Penta diesel engined boats but have always used VP belts and found them long lasting an never had a failure.
.
 
It is interesting to see the different reply's to this thread. I wonder about the different 'wealth' of those replying...... to some people £17 is quite a reasonable sum of money.

Me I am just tight :)

Dennis
 
Well I said +1 to Gates, that's after 40 plus years in the motor trade fitting them to replace both alternator and cambelts
 
I use genuine only on my boat and same when fitting to others, there's nothing worse than traveling to boat and belt not quite right size then going off to get correct one.
 
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