Bearing question

[2.5-21]

Would you use used bearings over buying new aftermarket? wsm/pro marine sierra etc.

[pointer]

Tough question. If I couldn't cross reference to a quality bearing, I'd still probably use aftermarket over used.
What application? And why are the bearings being considered for replacement?

pointer

[Mr. Demeanor]

Many of the pro bearings are same manufacturer as the OEM. Same exact bearing just better price. The trick is figuring out which ones and having a friend at pro willing to look at the packages helps a lot!

[tux974]

Pro and OEM are a tad different. Both are good, my guy has used both with great result but I personally like the way Merc dimples the needles in place, Pro does not. Never used a use bearing once things are open especially a bearing that someone else put in! JMO

[Mr. Demeanor]

Pro and OEM are a tad different. Both are good, my guy has used both with great result but I personally like the way Merc dimples the needles in place, Pro does not. Never used a use bearing once things are open especially a bearing that someone else put in! JMO


What I ws trying to say that on my Yamaha, the OEM bearings are Koyo. Many of the Pro replacement bearings were also Koyo. Same exact bearing as the oem used.

[xskeetshooter]

most are good bearings, there are clearance grades to consider...most are c4 clearance.. a higher number is a more precision bearing and will turn up higher if properly installed..most bearing supply housed can sell ya the same bearing for less than oem..oem do not make bearings but do get some custom made for a need....mercury and most engine builders dont actually make bearings but have them made to a spec for a particular need..so some oem bearings do have to come from the oem.
most bearing supply houses can sell the same bearing for less...

[TEXAS20225]

Pro marines parts are good as Merc's, GLM rod bearings are very good too. since i build motors all year ill say it depends on what you did in the rest of it, im not a drill motor stone hone up and down that's a good hone job guy!! if it aint a rigid hone thats got good cross hatch im out. (that's why i quit Jim rucks new replacement) i don't put used pistons back in any block my normal is bore to next clean size .015 normally new crank bearings top to bottom, new rod bearings bottom and wrist pin,new seals top and bottom in rotating assembly this is what i call rebuilt. stone hone , used pistons, and new bearings just dont seem to match for my way of thinking just as well put the old ones back in motor probaly wont last over 100 hours i also put new switch boxs and regulators and since i do mostly efi i clean and flow the injectors new filter and orings my .02


PS mr D is right on just about every bearing in the lower unit is a exact same supplier as well as upper/ lower crank bearings same everything

[Forkin' Crazy]

Depends on what they look like. I've reused and had no issues. Also depends on which engine. Some of the Mercs had problems with cage failure.

[eli]

have done 2 re rings on same bearings 100 hours + 100 hours ,then go new unless I pop a piston then new bearing goes in regardless
when I had my lefty prop shaft and drive shaft done I changed the pinion bearing lower probably had 700 hours on it ,pinion bearing showed small pitting on roller surfaces
guess go with your gut if you feel you can not sleep at night then by all means go all new every time or if money is no object,most of us money is object.

[Capt.Insane-o]

My customer motors get new parts, my motors usually get my customers old parts, ;)

[powerabout]

cages are the issue not the rollers. Rollers last for 1000's of hours
top and bottom bearings work hard on some engines

[Capt.Insane-o]

Never reuse the top main in anything (ideally you don't re use any bearings). Whilst tearing down a motor I usually knock the pistons and rods out and measure the crank run out on the ends, note it,mark the high spots with a dot, pull the center mains out, put the top cap back on and check run out on the center mains and mark the high spots again and see how they correlate. It all starts with a straight crank. .0015 or less is great .0005 is awesome. If you tear down a motor that the sealing rings have grooved the hell out of the block you have a wobbler. The biggest challenge is the inline 6 mercs.

[powerabout]

I should have said that, I would always change the bearings on an inline Merc too.
A ton of V4 and CCC's have been raced with old bearings thats for sure if they look good they will work..( maybe rattle a bit if worn)
As long as the rollers roll they survive
Carefully check small ends though so may as well replace them every time.

[Jay Smith]

I use Pro Marine con rod, middle and bottom bearing on all my rebuilds they come with a Mercury part number on every box I buy, never had an issue... Jay

[olboatman]

My customer motors get new parts, my motors usually get my customers old parts, ;)

Now that tells a story! Not all used parts are junk. I have been deglazing- reringing and even reusing head gaskets on some of my small motors for years. I would say the big difference is they are not 300hp or used for 100s of hrs between teardowns but most spin well over 7500 rpm.Gary

[ChrisCarsonMarine]

Just curious,what small motors do you spin well over 7500 rpm?

[olboatman]

Just curious,what small motors do you spin well over 7500 rpm?
The 2 I play with now are a 1986 13.2ci 15hp and a 1976 22ci 25hp modded johnrudes on lite hulls with Klotz R-50 and avgas.
I use the 15hp on a 71lb 9ft inflatable with a small jackplate---What a ride! Gary

[perfmarine1]

That should be no problem,the 15's were 6500 from factory.

[olboatman]

That should be no problem,the 15's were 6500 from factory.

You are correct. The 15's are still used for APBA A Runabout and Hydro if I am correct. Getting the 25 to twist up has been quite a project (but good mental health:D) I have ruined a couple of blocks and a few pistons. Mainly from too much experimentation.:confused: The good thing is that their are plenty of 25"s around but some parts for the 15's (9.9 with bigger carb and tuner) are getting scarce. Gary

[2.5-21]

You are correct. The 15's are still used for APBA A Runabout and Hydro if I am correct. Getting the 25 to twist up has been quite a project (but good mental health:D) I have ruined a couple of blocks and a few pistons. Mainly from too much experimentation.:confused: The good thing is that their are plenty of 25"s around but some parts for the 15's (9.9 with bigger carb and tuner) are getting scarce. Gary

Show us some pictures I think some of those little motors are awesome!

[olboatman]

Show us some pictures I think some of those little motors are awesome!

:oI sure will as soon as I learn how to post pics. One of my next learning curves! Gary:confused: