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OEM vs. Aftermarket manuals

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mlmarkee

New member
I am sure this has been posted before, but I am apparently not doing the right search to come up with it. What is the difference between aftermarket manuals (like Seloc) versus OEM manuals? Are the aftermarket ones really inferior at all or is it mostly just hype to buy the more expensive OEM manuals? I have been looking at getting some sort of manual for my motors, but I just was looking for some opinions first. Thanks
 
Since this is the Merc section I will give my opinion between a Merc "factory service manual" and a Seloc's (Clymer would be similar).

The service manual is written for "merc certified techs".

That doesn't mean it's of no value to "backyard mechanic dude", but it "assumes" that you already know how to work on a motor, know the safety proceedures - know things like "you don't soak plastic carb parts in carb cleaner".

Seloc's "holds your hand" through each process it covers (ie, rebuilding a carb). Lists do's/don't before you start then gives you step by step with pictures - however, sometimes it's not your exact carb in the pics.

The service manual is very specific to particular model or horsepower - so while the 1 and 2 cylinder (Merc) Seloc's manual covers all 3.6, 3.9, 4.0, 4.5, 6, 7.5, 8, 9.8, 9.9, 15, 18, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 horse models for a given time frame (say 1965-91 as an example), which is why it may not be your exact model in the picture;

The Merc service manual 90-826148R2 ONLY deals with 30 and 40 horse twin cylinders within a specific serial number range.

What do I use? Both...

Yes that means 35 bucks for a Seloc's and 80'ish for a service manual, but they compliment each other perfectly.

Seloc's will spoon feed you the procedure (if you are unfamiliar) and the service manual will give you the fine details that you need for that "specific" motor.
 
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