What are the pro's and con's of replacing a blown lower unit on a 2002 Mercury 225 EFI with an aftermarket lower unit?
What are the pro's and con's of replacing a blown lower unit on a 2002 Mercury 225 EFI with an aftermarket lower unit?
2000 TR21 PDC
2002 Mercury 225 EFI
Pros: Probably cheaper (on the initial purchase).
Cons: If it fails, you know the drill. You'll be down for a period of time, and will be off the water. I've seen some folks buy one and do well, others have had 3 or more replaced- and still having difficulties.
Con#2: Replacement parts in the future. Although most aftermarket units "advertise" as being "exact replacements"- I can tell you from experience, that OEM parts differ substantially from the components in many of the "aftermarket" units.
Con#3: Many of the "aftermarket" gearcases are manufactured overseas.... with a large majority of them coming out of the "asian" market area. Metal casting proceedures (and quality) are substantially lower in this market- there is a WIDE variance in the quality of castings, painting methods, AND CORROSION PROTECTION.
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor
I have heard good things about SEI that is in Tampa, Fl. They have a 3yr warranty and if you break it they will get you a new one in a few days. I also see them advertising in big boat publications plus they have been around for awhile building stern drive replacements!
I lost a lower unit on my 01 225 EFI 2 months ago. I researched the internet and found some cheap aftermarket lower units with a 1 yr. warrenty for less than $900. They do not have the low water intake ports. Beware. you may require the low water pickup ports to get enough water pressure.
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http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...A1318
CHECK THIS LINK OUT ON GUY ON BBC PURCHASED ONE OF THESE AND LAST I HEARD HE HAD QUITE A FEW HOURS ON IT WITH NO PROBLEMS...
That looks like a great deal but the cost throws me off. I mean it's a great price but i wonder if this is a "get what you paid for" kinda deal. Or is Mercury just some corporate (edit) that knows if you got the money to own a boat then you must have the money to pay thousands of dollars extra for the same thing?
2000 TR21 PDC
2002 Mercury 225 EFI
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