OEM vs Aftemarket fuel selector valves

[jimmaki]

Although I had planned to just bypass my fuel selector valve (mine was clean but leaking in air) ... I'm thinking of reviving the capability for an experimental project but notice quite a difference in prices for replacements and some oem alternatives. I see many new ones for ~$20 but most are of the 275-500-098 variety for 1/4" lines. My 98 SPX specs 275-500-400 for 5/16" lines. Although I might not be looking in the right places, that valve and alternates are all running in the $40-$80 range even the SBT non OEM one is $48.95. I've heard the plastic ones are better (maybe less corrosion prone?) but all the one's I've found are either 1/4", don't say what size lines they take or don't list the 98 SPX in their compatibility list. Just wondering why the slightly larger valve is double to quadruple the price.

 

[Matt Braley]

The price difference is because they mass produce the 1/4" ones in China and the like. I always loved the cheap SBT versions because they were "just like OEM" but I have run into a bunch that clog themselves up right away. Many of the plastic versions do not line up right on the RES ON OFF spots. They do line up with some of course but I just wanted people to be aware there are different selection locations.

 

[jimmaki]

The price difference is because they mass produce the 1/4" ones in China and the like. I always loved the cheap SBT versions because they were "just like OEM" but I have run into a bunch that clog themselves up right away. Many of the plastic versions do not line up right on the RES ON OFF spots. They do line up with some of course but I just wanted people to be aware there are different selection locations.

Ah, that makes sense ... thanks, Matt. And thanks for the warning on the cloggers and misalignment issue. Guess I'll go with good ole made in USA or err, Quebec or wherever BRP stuff is made.

 

[Spimothy Leary]

Yes, IMO avoid the plastic.
wsm made the 951 selector as well for yrs. I Think the sbt version is relatively new to the market. (Jury still out) actually matt and I both bought a sbt 951 selector about a month ago. Matt.. did you try yours? I sold mine.

 

[LouDoo]

Seems like I've been down the road lately on cheap imported parts. I'm not gonna do it anymore, it's either OEM or first quality aftermarket parts, for my vehicles, boats, seadoo's. Usually you get what you pay for.

Lou

 

[jimmaki]

Yes, IMO avoid the plastic.
wsm made the 951 selector as well for yrs. I Think the sbt version is relatively new to the market. (Jury still out) actually matt and I both bought a sbt 951 selector about a month ago. Matt.. did you try yours? I sold mine.

OK, no plastic. Thanks.

 

[jimmaki]

Seems like I've been down the road lately on cheap imported parts. I'm not gonna do it anymore, it's either OEM or first quality aftermarket parts, for my vehicles, boats, seadoo's. Usually you get what you pay for.

Lou

Can't argue with that ... trouble is my dealer doesn't stock 2-cycle parts and I have to go in to order anything and pay him postage to mail it to me when it comes in or go back and pick it up. It's over an hour roundtrip. Finding first quality aftermarket parts has been a hit or miss experience.

 

[mikidymac]

I don't have a dealer closer than 1.5 hours away anymore. For OEM I use Pro Caliber out of Oregon and 1st quality aftermarket I use WSM from hfgreg here on the forum. For used parts only Minnetonka4me (AKA: Nick)

 

[jimmaki]

I don't have a dealer closer than 1.5 hours away anymore. For OEM I use Pro Caliber out of Oregon and 1st quality aftermarket I use WSM from hfgreg here on the forum. For used parts only Minnetonka4me (AKA: Nick)

Thanks, good to know about WSM and Nick. Keep it in the family, right?