I replaced a water pump with one I purchased from a Kubota parts supplier. $35 with a thermostat compared to over $500 from Catalina direct. I need those margins in my life!
My question is...is there a difference in the parts used for tractors vs. marine use in terms of corrosion resistance or special coatings etc.? Because I'm looking at sourcing more parts and the tractor supplier parts are just loads less expensive. Starter, new glow plugs, pistons, cylinder heads maybe even a rebuild kit seems all reasonable vs a new engine. Just thinking preventatively.....
Thanks, Dave
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David Lane
S/V Grace
88' Catalina 36'
Oxnard, Ca
Hi David
Maybe attached cross reference file is helpful.
Durk Nijdam
S/V "SILER"
Catalina 36MKII - 2001 / hullnr. 2013
Stavoren - Holland
Some of the aftermarket parts have slight differences, but $35 versus $500 makes it worth checking out. I had a Kumar Brothers waterpump on an M3-20 engine that required a washer under the pulley or it would eat belts. With the thin washer in place it worked for years and is probably still going strong.
Starter motor was a direct replacement. Glow plugs, injectors, injector pumps, alternators and many other parts are identical to tractor parts.
Here is an interesting video about the Universal Westerbeke history from Practical Sailor.
The tractor thermostats are 180 degrees, Westerbeke Universals are 160. It apparently makes a difference if used in salt water. I've been told the higher coolant temperatures will cause clogging in the raw salt water systems.
Denis
Brazen Article #1925
2001 Catalina 36 MKII
Tractor starter works just fine. The day after I bought my boat in west palm beach, my entire electrical system fried on the way to fort lauderdale. No fault of the former owner, the starter button was corroded so badly under the rubber cover but you couldn't see it, and it stuck on for about 8 hours of motor sailing.
In Lauderdale West Marine told me they didn't have anything like that, but suggested that the little motor shop behind them might be able to rebuild it for me. I walked in with the old starter, the old guy behind the counter said "that's a kubota starter, isn't it?". He walks down three rows of shelves, reaches to the top shelf, pulls down a dusty box, and opens it to show me the exact duplicate of what I had. And only $200, a bargain after the $1300 alternator and regulator.
Its still in the boat, and hasn't missed a beat. Started every time right up after 2 years of use, and 2 months of bouncing around the bahamas.
Its sad that the kind of experience and knowledge that a shop like that has is rapidly disappearing. If anyone ever needs alternator or starter work in lauderdale, please remember the little shop behind west marine. Wish I could find the name but I can't find it.