basic parts

[anhinsb]

Hello again,...

I would like to know where you all buy your basic maintenance parts. I was at the auto parts store and the counter guy said he could get me an impeller if I knew what size it was (take it out and bring it in). I would think this would be cheaper(spark plugs were). Would this also work for the caps, roter, plug wires, fuel filter and belts???

I need these anyhow so, could I get the part numbers from you guys? If I start off with the basics I can move on to the harder stuff. Do have to order some of these items online? Thanks.

April

[67c&ccorv]

Forget the auto parts store, you are already in the right place!

[roadnsky]

Ditto!

You've hit the motherlode here on this site for both parts AND advice.
Look no further!

[MikeB.330]

go here. http://www.moyermarine.com/catalog.htm

[sastanley]

April,

I will make a couple of comments. Ok, more than a couple..read at your own risk

Moyer Marine is not the cheapest place for all A-4 parts..there are some 'generic' crossover parts like spark plugs, cap, rotor, points, coil, etc.. that are a few bucks cheaper on the Internet or at your local auto parts store. You must make sure that when you cross reference parts, you pick up the correct thing. If you are comfortable with the time that you spend to save a few bucks, good work.

However, there are some specialty items that you simply can't get anywhere else. First, the expertise here (not just the forum, which are mostly fellow A-4 enthusiasts, but the Moyer Marine company) is second to none, and I do not think there is ANY store as comprehensive as Moyer for A-4 parts or advice. One notable exception that is not as specialized but does offer a few things Moyer does not, is Indigo Electronics, another small outfit A-4 specialist. Check them out at www.atomic4.com

I searched around on the Internet (cncphotoalbum.com has a good A-4 cross reference part number list) for some part numbers and chose to go to my local NAPA for an alternator belt using the Gates part number, as it is on my way home from work and by supporting them I am helping a local business that I have patronized for 20+ years despite the onslaught of larger chain stores recently popping up like Autozone/Advance, etc.. Where I live the local NAPA guy was the guy for many years. True to form, discussion with my local NAPA parts counter alerted me that the belt they sell, which cross references to the Gates belt number that fits the OEM A-4 35 amp alternator is actually made by Gates for NAPA. So I have a Gates belt with the NAPA name on it. It was a $12 belt, but it took me out of my way about 35 seconds by having to drive in and out of the parking lot. I could find the Gates belt a tiny bit cheaper on the Internet, and Moyer's is $17. Another example is spark plugs..I can get them at Wal-mart for about $1 each! I have also used a local marina that I know stocks Universal Motor Co. parts for some things like gaskets, an impeller etc..The impeller was about the same price (so I saved a few bucks on shipping).

In the examples above, I chose the local guy. That being said, I also support Moyer when I can for parts that are not readily available in my local area. It turns out that Ken, the parts guy at Moyer, keeps good enough records that when I told him who the previous owner of my boat was, he could tell me all the parts that were previously purchased thru Moyer!!! I was pretty impressed with that.

I would recommend you do a couple of Google searches for Atomic 4 parts lists and you may find some data to help you. Be sure to support the most comprehensive A-4 company there is (Moyer) when you can, but only you can decide the balance point between keeping an authority like Moyer in business and supporting someone that might get you a part a few $$ cheaper.

The simple fact is that there are some places you can get A-4 parts cheaper than at Moyer Marine. The other fact that is almost ANY part you could ever need for the A-4 is available right here, and is a miracle in itself!

Sorry for the rant...I struggle with it every day...and try to find the right balance for myself. I will finally comment I have yet to be disappointed with any of the service, advice or parts I have received from Ken & anyone else at Moyer..sometimes the specialty guy is the right guy!

[marthur]

I buy most of my parts from Moyer. First, the quality service far outweighs what I get locally.

Second, convenience having parts shipped to my home saves huge amounts of time--especially since I know I am getting the right part.

In terms of cost, I don't find the cost difference to be that large when I figure my travel time and the cost of running my car into the mix.

I also want to support a business that caters to my A-4 and carries many parts that are not available locally (except at exhorbitant prices). I like the idea of having Don's special tools and extensive parts available when I need them.

Good luck,

Mike

[tartansailboat]

basic parts

I once bought an impeller for my Oberdorfer water pump on my late model A4 according to a cross reference listing. I did fit, sort of but was a tad too thick to accommodate the snap ring. The impeller I got from MMI was exact. Now maybe the cross referenced part would work without the snap ring but why take the chance, it not like when your car engine dies, you just call triple A.

[keelcooler]

If it were not for MMI we would be buying green head gaskets for 200. each from Westerbeake just to have them blow before the end of that season.
Let's face it,we would have given up our a4's long ago.

[Jesse Delanoy]

I buy all of my parts from MMI, down to and including spark plugs.

When I first got the boat, and was ready to do my first tune up, I started out to find plugs, points and a condenser. Started at the local West Marine. Zippo.

Then ran the gamut of the auto parts places, Western Auto, Trak Auto, Advance Auto, Auto Zone. At the end of the day, I had a set of four spark plugs from two different stores. Nothing else.

In desperation, I went to the internet, and found this site. Got electronic ignition, installed it with my plugs, and went on from there. Everything arrives in 1 - 2 days, so if I order by mid week, I have it all for the weekend. I wouldn't even bother trying to find parts in a store. The only things I buy on the outside are lengths of hose, hose clamps, thirty weight motor oil and Marvel's Mystery Oil.

[roadnsky]

Old Fashioned SERVICE!

Ok, I know I'm kicking a dead horse here, but I just can't help myself!
My recent experience a few weeks ago really sums up MMI's great service to all of us in the A4 Community...

I discovered a slow drip from the weep hole of my 8-month-old water pump; indicating a leaking seal.
BEFORE I had even verified the source of the leak, Don had read my post, looked up the history of the water pump purchase AND shipped me a replacement!
Then he contacted me to let me know it was on the way and give me some advice to verify the source of the leak.
Had I not been out of town for 10 days, I would have had a 3-day replacement installed from first discovery to fix!

WHERE would you get that kind of support and service?
These dayz, this is a truly rare and valuable resource.

(Whew! Ok, now I feel better...)