Opinions on aftermarket tools?

TheRussian

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 10, 2013
Messages
142
Hello,

What are your thoughts on using aftermarket tools instead of genuine Mercruiser or Quicksilver brand tools. I'm talking about the engine alignment tools, gimbal bearing puller, etc.

Have a nice day!
 

mr 88

Commander
Joined
Nov 3, 2010
Messages
2,115
Mercruiser does not have a Mfg. plant for hand tools,there all subbed out. So there is no problem buying aftermarket tools to work on your drive system.There is even a good chance that the aftermarket tool you buy for a lot less money is the excact tool as Mercruiser without the markings.
 

thumpar

Admiral
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
6,138
My alignment tool was bought off ebay. To pull the gimbal bearing I rented a 2/3 jaw puller from autozone. When I did my exhaust bellows I made the $3 tool from the sticky. I think doing the job right is more important than the tool you use.
 

TheRussian

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 10, 2013
Messages
142
I agree about doing the job right... but you wouldn't want a home made alignment tool either...
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
I agree about doing the job right... but you wouldn't want a home made alignment tool either...

Why not? The drawings for the bar are on this site. If you have a lathe (or access to one) and the right piece of steel, just turn it up... As long as the dimensions are accurate, it'll be just as good as a 'proper' one...

Chris.....
 

thumpar

Admiral
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
6,138
I agree about doing the job right... but you wouldn't want a home made alignment tool either...
I am not saying to use a stick for an alignment tool but you don't need the Merc tool. As long as it meets spec it is fine.
 

tpenfield

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 18, 2011
Messages
17,625
Tools is tools . . . it is the person using them that makes the difference . . . same sort of thing is often said about golf clubs. :)
 

Sangster21

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 15, 2012
Messages
130
I made my own alignment tool.... not a particularly challenging machining job if you can get your hands on a lathe.
Alan
 
Top