Is a relay a relay?

[ddhand]

The tilt / trim on the motor stopped working this weekend. I went to the auto supply store and bought two replacement relays and the motor trims fine now.

The new ones are Sorensen MR76 's the old ones have the number 584416 22EU and i dont know the manufacturer.

The old ones seem heavier and seem to be sealed on the bottom with a rubber cement like substance (waterproofing?)

My question is: are the replacements fine or are they automotive grade and not suitable for a marine environment?

93 Evinrude 225 E225TXET with the "FasTrak" tilt trim system.

---Out of curiosity, what would a "marine grade" relay cost versus the $11.00 one from NAPA?

[ChampioNman]

If you went to a Merc Marina/Dealer the same solenoid would have cost you about $56.00.

[nola 521dvx]

If my experience is anything to go by, you'll be buying them regularly - I went through several NAPA relays before going back to OEM, the auto relays just did not last. This was on an 89 GT150.

[rudetech1]

Heavier means more copper! Seimens or Hella are about the bestn in the marine environment. They use a lot of copper, thicker contact plates, and are really well sealed. You need to check the wires connecting the relay to the trim motor at the connector. If these are loose, they arc and will shorten the life of the relay and the trim motor.