Impeller brands, quality and costs

[Wood Zeppelin]

I've always wondered...

I can get a Sierra impeller for 1/3 the cost of the same impeller from Honda.

Is Honda all mark-up, or is it really better quality?

Is Sierra made from lesser quality materials/tolerances? Or just as good?

[thataway]

Considering the cost in the relative scale of boating costs, I have stuck with original equipment manufacture's parts. It is likely that the OEM is of better material, or made to closer tolerance.

I checked to see the range--be sure you are comparing apples to apples and the whole water pump kit, not just impeller. I saw in some cases the "Honda" OEM was 2x the Sierra or unknown brands. It was like a $32 difference. In many areas this is 6 gallons of fuel--and everything is relative...

My experience with outboards in 3rd world countries, that various outboard manufactures sell the engines at a substantial discount (in comparison to USA), to assure a long time of slightly overpriced parts. The motors in 3rd world areas are slightly different than what we buy in the USA. Go original.

[ssobol]

[Wood Zeppelin]

thanks Guys..

When in doubt, I err on the side of safety and reliability (especially with a sensitive and critical part like an impeller). Towing is way more expensive and ruins the fun!

[T.R. Bauer]

I have used both. There is nothing wrong with the Sierra impellors and the OEM ones seem better, but there is not a dramatic difference.

[Wood Zeppelin]

That Makes sense...

Thanks!

BTW - I'm getting a used lower unit. It's "recommended" to change the impeller.. Anyway to tell if it's still perfectly good? Like if the rubber is soft and not brittle/cracked? Anything else to look for?

[Schuster]

Just my own opinion and possibly overkill but I like to know where I am when I start out on something. I would change out the water pump kit and save the removed impeller for an emergency. Generally, if the rubber is not cracked, checked, and will regain its original shape (ie the legs straighten out and they don't stay all bent over} and the rubber is pliable it is probably ok. A new water pump kit is insurance against a more serious overheated engine problem. Good luck with the new set up.

[T.R. Bauer]