Hi guys,
Is there any way to tell Britpart spares from genuine LR just by looking at them, e.g. identifying marks, codes etc.
I mean apart from the obvious "If it doesn't fit it's Brit!" or "If it fails just outside of warranty it's Brit!", are there any differences in identifying markings on engine spares such as 300tdi auxilliary belt tensioner?
I would be most grateful for your input chaps.
Neil
(Reply via group please)
In short, no!
You need to recognise that Land Rover(LR), in common with most manufacturers, is just an assembly operation and does not actually manufacture many parts themselves. Many parts will be to a LR design but manufactured by A.N.Other. Equally many parts are the manufacturer's standard part used by LR or a manufacturer's part developed for a LR application.
The 'pirate' part purveyors, of whom Britpart is one, do much the same often obtaining their parts from the same source as LR.
The problem parts are those where the 'pirate' purveyor has purchased from a source with dubious provenance or has sub-contracted manufacture of a copy part with poor levels of quality both in terms of dimensional control or adherance to the material specification of the original. There are 'trade secrets' in the manufacture of some parts and this is where 'pirate' parts can fall down.
It is also, perhaps, fair to mention that some original equipment(OE) parts are not up to the job/poorly designed and the aftermarket can produce a substitute that out-performs the original.
OE parts may be stamped with the Land Rover logo/trademark (branded) but may be the same part manufactured and also sold with the manufacturer's brand mark. Something straight out of the Land Rover box may be the OE manufacturer's part with his branding.
As far as Land Rover is concerned you may not know that its parts operation is run by Caterpillar out of Desford, Leicestershire. Caterpillar purchases the parts usually from the same source as LR for current/recent manufacture but may do so from other sources but with knowledge of the LR specification - something to which the 'pirates' usually do not have access.
If your 'pirate' part has the trademark of a well-known manufacturer e.g. Delphi, Wabco etc. the chances are that it'll be OK. If unmarked it could have come from anywhere and may be OK or not.
The OE 300TDi belt tensioner is made/branded by Dayco.
In short, no!
You need to recognise that Land Rover(LR), in common with most manufacturers, is just an assembly operation and does not actually manufacture many parts themselves. Many parts will be to a LR design but manufactured by A.N.Other. Equally many parts are the manufacturer's standard part used by LR or a manufacturer's part developed for a LR application.
The 'pirate' part purveyors, of whom Britpart is one, do much the same often obtaining their parts from the same source as LR.
The problem parts are those where the 'pirate' purveyor has purchased from a source with dubious provenance or has sub-contracted manufacture of a copy part with poor levels of quality both in terms of dimensional control or adherance to the material specification of the original. There are 'trade secrets' in the manufacture of some parts and this is where 'pirate' parts can fall down.
It is also, perhaps, fair to mention that some original equipment(OE) parts are not up to the job/poorly designed and the aftermarket can produce a substitute that out-performs the original.
OE parts may be stamped with the Land Rover logo/trademark (branded) but may be the same part manufactured and also sold with the manufacturer's brand mark. Something straight out of the Land Rover box may be the OE manufacturer's part with his branding.
As far as Land Rover is concerned you may not know that its parts operation is run by Caterpillar out of Desford, Leicestershire. Caterpillar purchases the parts usually from the same source as LR for current/recent manufacture but may do so from other sources but with knowledge of the LR specification - something to which the 'pirates' usually do not have access.
If your 'pirate' part has the trademark of a well-known manufacturer e.g. Delphi, Wabco etc. the chances are that it'll be OK. If unmarked it could have come from anywhere and may be OK or not.
The OE 300TDi belt tensioner is made/branded by Dayco.
l
Thank you for that wisdom Dougal, that is exactly what I wanted to know!
Neil
(Reply via group please)
Sadly not until you at a point of no return, then find something else doenst fit, or fits badly (loose) Like wheel bearings that just will not fit on a **itpart stub! (Not even with a hammer!)
For critical parts (axles, brakes, steering etc) I now *ONLY* fit OE parts, or if not avaliable, anything but **itpart. Even then, I make sure I can take it back for full refund if it doesnt do what it says on teh side of the box, or no sale.
DaveB
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