Experience with SEI Replacement Parts for Mercruiser?

[JoLin]

I'll preface this question by saying that I'm big on using Mercruiser OEM parts wherever possible.

However, I'll be doing major maintenance on a pair of Gen 2's shortly. U-joint and shift cable bellows (I have exhaust tubes so don't need to struggle with exhaust bellows), trim senders, tilt/trim cylinder hoses, lower shift cables, etc. I've heard generally good things about the SEI replacement outdrives and wonder if anyone here has experience with their maintenance and repair parts?

I'd prefer to use Mercruiser parts for everything, but the price differential between Merc and SEI can be huge. If folks here can tell me that the SEI stuff fits well and seems to be of good quality, I'll go that route instead.

I'm not trying to start a Merc vs SEI vs Sierra vs GLM vs Mallory war here, so would appreciate feedback from those who've actually used SEI.

Thanks!

 

[Fishermark]

I'll start the discussion off! I have installed several SEI drives in my boats over the years and am very impressed with their overall quality - and more importantly - their service.

BUT. Unfortunately, I have never used their various misc parts that you are considering.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

One part I would definitely go OEM w/ is the U-joint bellows.

 

[Alumarine]

One part I would definitely go OEM w/ is the U-joint bellows.

Have you had trouble with the SEI bellows?

 

[muc]

I have installed too many SEI parts on customers boats.
Over the years I have found that they are a lot like used parts ------ some have a very good experience (low cost of the part), some not so good ( they don't last very long or don't work at all).
Best used on a boat your selling or only use 2-3 times a year.
Would only recommend when labor is free --- you or a buddy is doing the job.
Wouldn't use their bellows or shift cable even if they are free ---- just too much labor involved in that job.
Had very good luck with their trim Rams and trim pumps, other than the paint fell off the Rams in the first year. But the price was what the customer could afford.
As long as you understand the saying "you don't get what you don't pay for"

 

[JoLin]

I get you, muc. Thanks for the feedback. Think I'll stick with OEM for the moving parts- bellows and shift cables, maybe use SEI for new hydraulic trim lines. Not looking to cheap out on the job, and given the labor involved I want it to last.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Have you had trouble with the SEI bellows?

Nope never used any SEI part, but the one component I would not skimp on is the u-joint bellows.
Too much at stake there.........

 

[cdiamond]

im not quite sure

what "information' you are seeking

however I've used parts from every aftermarket manufacturer

as was state earlier - some are ok , some not so much

how much are you really "saving" in the long run ???


use OEM and dont look back - you ALWAYS get what you pay for

 

[JoLin]

im not quite sure what "information' you are seeking

I made that clear in my first post- personal experience. I also noted that as a rule I'm big on using OEM. MUC's answer was pretty much what I expected, but you know - hope springs eternal.

In any event, I just placed my order for the OEM Mercruiser parts I need- transom seal kits, bellows, cooling hoses, shift cables, trim senders. Add in miscellaneous stuff like the shift cable socket, hinge pin tool, 1/4" flex extension, bellows adhesive... and it totaled out to just shy of $800.00 for the two drives.

I think you can understand why I thought the question was worth asking.

My .02

 

[Maclin]

scotth1968 Welcome to iBoats! Your question should be posted over in Mercury and Marine Outboards forum, this is the MerCruiser I/O forum. You will get much more attention there on your posts.

Perhaps a mod can move it for you

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Moved Scotth's post to his own thread in the Merc outboard forum,.....

 

[findinghomer]

Have you had trouble with the SEI bellows?

I replaced all my Bellows last year with sei , they are already showing signs of wear (surface is dry rotting) I will be replacing them with OEM. I was so pissed about this, that I contacted them. They were very rude, short and unwilling to help. I finally told them that I'm going to go ahead and eat the $85 I spent on the Bellows, replace with OEM and just review them on amazon, ebay and iboats.. Then suddenly his tune changed , and he just wanted pictures, no longer even wanted a receipt at this point, and was willing to help. I never did respond back, bc I like my method better. That way it saves people from going through what I went through. Lesson learned