The last word

ColinS

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I hate it when people go on and on about the same subject, but further to my recent request for information (see - 'Volvo again'), I have had a very good result on the spares front.
I was recently quoted around £280 ex. vat per piston for my Volvo MD7A, both from the local agent and a well known company supplying pattern spares.
However, my local Car Accessories shop has managed to find a company who will supply a Hepolite piston for £87.00 inc. vat. I am told that Hepolite supply Volvo, so they are the real thing and not cheap imitations.
It pays to shop around!
 
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The four cylinder volvo lump has been around quite a time and there was a period in the manufacture when:-

If it's black its a Perkins, Green it's a Volvo or red - it's a Ford was true.

Don't know the current situation but back in the late 80's London taxis were being nicked for their engines which were ending up marinised in middle eastern dhows.

Also I seem to remember that the 4 cyl petrol engine in Volvo B18's was made from a British Leyland casting!

Pistons AND roller bearings are rarely specific to one product. It is just too costly to develop & tool up. I bought two bearings for an Evinrude 50 once from an automotive bearing factor in Birmingham. Same part number etched on the shell! Cost: about a third of OMC prices!

Steve Cronin
 

oldharry

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Re: Buying bearings.

Steve has a good point here. Roller and taper bearings in virtually any engine new or old - or those in almost any machine, vehicle or trailer - are nearly always bearing manufacturers stock items, and can be purchased directly from a bearing specialist usually at a large saving in price.

All you need is the number etched on the side of the inner and outer races, which gives the supplier the exact specification for that bearing. Its a good idea to take the old one (or its remains) along so that they can double check for you. even if the numbers are obliterated, they can still usually identify and supply a suitable bearing.

The same applies to oil seals - again a standard item identified by the numbers embossed on the outer face of the seal.

You will be sold probably the same or better quality of bearing as that supplied by Volvo/Perkins/Yamaha or whoever, but without paying a fat markup to put it in a specially printed box, together with distribution, storeage and transport costs involved.
 
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