Can you swap auto parts into marine engine?

[braunyaur]

I've busted 2 distributor caps while doing engine work, and I find the $80 price tag a bit steep. Can I use an auto cap for when I do engine work? That way, I can stow my marine one until I get to the lake.

If so, what would I ask for at the parts store for my AQ131A?

 

[rockyman]

Re: Can you swap auto parts into marine engine?

yes you can do that it wont hurt a thing, as long as its just little things,

 

[braunyaur]

Re: Can you swap auto parts into marine engine?

So what kind of cap can I use on my AQ131A?

 

[mylesm260]

Re: Can you swap auto parts into marine engine?

yes you can do that it wont hurt a thing, as long as its just little things,

Dude, c'mon, if you're not going to answer his question properly, than just don't answer it at all. What you just said there could be interpreted the wrong way and could be very very dangerous.

There are two MAIN reasons why marine parts are different:

#1 corrosion resistance - water pumps, head gaskets, frost plugs, etc
#2 Safety - Alternators, Starters, Distributors, Distributor Caps, etc


Any electrical part in a marine engine must be built in such a way that it does not allow a spark to mix with the air around it. In the case of a distributor cap, it must be sealed. Often Automotive caps have vents in them.


So to answer you're question, unless you can cross reference the exact part numbers, go buy the proper cap for you're marine engine. Putting an automotive cap in there could cause an explosion and kill people.

 

[cadunkle]

Re: Can you swap auto parts into marine engine?

I wouldn't sweat it in the dry to run on muffs and test. If the cap is sealed or you seal it, I see no problem. I seal automotive caps on my truck every time I do a tune-up. Just get a non-vented cap (or if vented, JB-weld the vent) and use a small bead of RTV around the sealing/contact area. Combine that with filling boots/terminals with dielectric grease and you got a distributor/ignition that works under water.

Now on a boat if you even make an insurance claim for a fire, you may get denied for not using marine ignition parts. Personally I only use automotive parts for more general stuff that doesn't make sparks or dispense fuel, like internal engine parts, intake manifolds, etc.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Can you swap auto parts into marine engine?

Buy the proper marine grade parts for your boat, you'll be glad you did in the long run.

 

[blared]

Re: Can you swap auto parts into marine engine?

Are you crazy?.. Marine parts are made for a reason...they are spark proof because fuel fumes, people blow up and die with their families because of this, plus the coastguard won't be happy about that also you will never get any professional mechanics to work on your boat because it is illegal. If you love yourshelf, your family and your boat please use marine grade parts for your boat.