Helpful answers to 17 FAQs about reconditioned marine spare parts

Get answers to 17 questions on reconditioned marine spare parts – a cost-effective way to keep your vessels in top condition without compromising performance.

Reconditioned marine spare parts: 17 FAQs with helpful answers

Ship owners and operators are under constant pressure to reduce costs without compromising ship reliability and performance. Reconditioned marine spare parts can be a cost-effective way to keep your assets in good condition. Reusing spare parts also saves natural resources.

Here are  17 frequently asked questions (FAQs) from ship owners about reconditioned marine spare parts with helpful answers. Click on a question to see the answer!

1. What are reconditioned marine spare parts?

Reconditioned marine spare parts are used parts that have been restored to working condition. Reconditioning a marine spare part typically involves:

  • Disassembly
  • Cleaning
  • Inspection
  • Repair or replacement of worn elements
  • Reassembly and testing

Some original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Wärtsilä offer two ways of reconditioning marine spare parts:

  • Customer-owned reconditioning: This method is a good option when you have time to wait for your spare parts to be reconditioned. You send the part off to the OEM, who refurbishes it and returns it to you.
  • Exchange-based reconditioning: This method is ideal when you don’t want to wait for parts to be reconditioned. You receive a reconditioned part and return the old one to the OEM in exchange.

The Exchange parts service model is a fast and convenient option. You will not have to wait for the parts to be reconditioned or repaired. Instead, you will get readily available, reconditioned parts and can keep your operations running smoothly.

Wärtsilä also offers reconditioned marine spare parts without the need to return your old part. The selection of parts available varies by workshop. Please contact your nearest Wärtsilä representative for details.

2. What types of marine spare parts can be reconditioned?

The types of marine spare parts that a supplier can recondition will vary depending on the size and possible specialisation of their workshops. 

Wärtsilä, for example, can recondition, remanufacture or recalibrate a wide range of marine spare parts for 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines and exhaust treatment systems. 

Spare parts can come from all major brands and include:

  • Pistons
  • 2-stroke cylinder covers
  • Exhaust valves and valve seats
  • Piston rods
  • Piston skirts
  • Fuel injection equipment
  • 4-stroke connecting rods
  • 4-stroke cylinder heads
  • White metal bearings

3. Are reconditioned marine spare parts reliable?

If sourced from a reputable supplier such as Wärtsilä, reconditioned marine spare parts can be a highly reliable and cost-effective alternative to new parts. Marine spare parts that are reconditioned by the OEM are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, so they will perform as designed in your engine or exhaust treatment system.

When you buy reconditioned marine spare parts from Wärtsilä, you can trust the parts have been inspected and reconditioned, remanufactured or recalibrated according to Wärtsilä’s strict quality management standards. The parts also come with a warranty, which reduces risk by providing financial compensation, repair or replacement if the reconditioned part is defective or does not perform as expected.

4. How do I know where my reconditioned marine spare part was used before?

While the details of where the reconditioned marine spare part was previously used may not always be disclosed to you, reconditioned parts from OEMs such as Wärtsilä go through a strict quality management process and are covered by a warranty. This reduces risk by providing financial compensation, repair or replacement if the reconditioned part does not perform as expected.

5. How can I verify the condition of reconditioned marine spare parts?

Reconditioned parts from a reputable supplier such as Wärtsilä have undergone rigorous testing and quality control procedures.

When buying a reconditioned marine spare part – whether from the OEM or another supplier – you should look for the following:

  • Inspection and test reports to confirm the part has passed functional and safety tests.
  • Quality assurance documentation including inspection records and compliance with ISO or ABYC standards.
  • Remaining lifespan estimates based on wear analysis, service history or predictive maintenance models.
  • Type approval certificates issued by classification societies like DNV, BV or ABS.

6. Why is it a good idea to use reconditioned marine spare parts?

When your budget is tight, reconditioned marine spare parts can be a cost-effective way to keep your assets in good condition. Reusing parts also helps save natural resources and reduces the waste associated with ship overhauls.

The Wärtsilä Exchange Parts service is a great way to ensure a smooth ship overhaul because you don’t need to wait for parts to be reconditioned. You receive a reconditioned part and return the old one to Wärtsilä in exchange. You can avoid costly delays because reconditioned parts are readily available onshore or onboard your vessel.

7. What are the risks of using reconditioned marine spare parts?

Although reconditioning existing parts is usually more cost effective than using new parts, there are some risks you should think about. For example, there might be a lack of workshop capacity or a shortage of parts, or you might not be able to determine the condition of the parts until you can inspect them. This could lead to unexpected delays or budget problems.

The Wärtsilä Exchange Parts service solves these problems. Exchange parts are ready to use right away.

How the Wärtsilä Exchange Parts service works:

  1. Buy the reconditioned parts you need 
  2. Install the reconditioned parts 
  3. Return your old parts to Wärtsilä. 

By using the service, you avoid the need to wait for your old parts to be reconditioned before you can proceed with your overhaul. Exchange Parts from Wärtsilä are genuine, high-quality OEM parts that are delivered with the same warranty as new parts.

8. What is the difference between reconditioned, remanufactured and recalibrated marine spare parts?

Reconditioned spare parts have been dismantled, cleaned and inspected, and then restored to working condition. Any defective components are repaired or replaced.

Remanufactured spare parts have been restored to their original condition. This means that the remanufactured parts are stripped down completely and returned to “like-new” condition.

Recalibrated spare parts are parts that have been adjusted to restore their original performance specifications. For example, a fuel injector is recalibrated to deliver the correct spray pattern and pressure.

9. How much could I save by buying reconditioned marine spare parts instead of new parts?

Reconditioned marine spare parts can be as much as 50% cheaper compared to new parts, making them a budget-friendly option for ship maintenance and repairs.

Some reconditioned parts, such as Wärtsilä Exchange Parts, are also delivered with the same warranty as new parts. This reduces risk by providing financial compensation, repair or replacement if the reconditioned part is defective or underperforming.

10. How does the service process work for reconditioned marine spare parts?

The usual process for reconditioning marine spare parts is you send your part to a reconditioning workshop, the part is reconditioned and then sent back to you.

Some OEMs, such as Wärtsilä offers reconditioned parts that are ready to use immediately. You simply buy the parts you need, install them and return your old parts to Wärtsilä. You can avoid costly delays because already reconditioned parts are readily available onshore or onboard your vessel.

Wärtsilä also offers reconditioned marine spare parts without the need to return your old part. The selection of parts available varies by workshop. Please contact your nearest Wärtsilä representative for details.

11. How long does it take for marine spare parts to be reconditioned?

When using workshop services for a major overhaul, the typical lead time for reconditioned marine spare parts is one to two weeks. The lead time will depend on:

  • the type of part
  • how many parts need to be reconditioned
  • the resources available
  • the lead time for any materials required for the reconditioning work, and
  • the distance between the site or vessel and the workshop.

Some OEMs, such as Wärtsilä offer reconditioned parts that are ready to use immediately. You simply buy the parts you need, install them and return your old parts to Wärtsilä. You can avoid costly delays because reconditioned parts are already readily available onshore or onboard your vessel.

12. Where can I get my parts reconditioned or buy reconditioned marine spare parts?

You can buy reconditioned marine spare parts from OEMs, such as Wärtsilä or from independent service providers. Choosing an OEM is the safest option. This is because the parts are reconditioned using:

  • original specifications and tolerances
  • the latest parts as per service bulletins
  • certified processes and equipment, and
  • strict quality management standards.

This strict process ensures that the parts will perform as intended. Reconditioned marine spare parts from an OEM are also backed by a warranty. Independent service providers may not follow the same standards, and quality of parts can be variable.

If you buy reconditioned marine spare parts from an independent service provider, you will often need to send them your old part first and wait for the part to be inspected before it is reconditioned. With the Wärtsilä Exchange Parts service you can avoid these kinds of costly delays because you will have reconditioned parts readily available onshore or onboard your vessel.

13. What are the important things to think about when buying reconditioned marine spare parts?

When getting a marine spare part reconditioned or buying an already reconditioned part, there are several things you should think about, including:

  • Quality – How do I make sure the reconditioned part meets the original specifications and will perform as designed?
  • Lifetime – What is the life expectancy of the part after reconditioning?
  • Availability – How long will I need to wait before I can get the part installed and working?
  • Warranty – Does the reconditioned part include warranty? If so, what does the warranty cover, and how quickly and reliably can the service provider deal with warranty claims
  • Cost – What is the total lifecycle cost of the reconditioned part?
  • Compliance – Will the reconditioned part keep my vessel compliant?
  • Quality – Does the supplier follow a strict quality management process?

When you choose reconditioned marine spare parts from an OEM such as Wärtsilä, you can be confident that the parts have been inspected and reconditioned according to strict quality management standards and that they will perform as designed. Reconditioned parts from an OEM are safer and eliminate the risk of non-compliance. You also benefit from a warranty.

14. Do reconditioned marine spare parts come with a warranty?

Some service providers will supply reconditioned marine spare parts with a warranty, but the warranty period might be limited – for example, three to six months. Other providers may not offer any formal warranty at all.

If you buy reconditioned marine spare parts from a reputable OEM, it’s typical, even expected, that the parts come with a warranty. Wärtsilä, for example, offers a warranty for all reconditioned marine spare parts. 

Wärtsilä exchange parts are covered by the same warranty as new parts – provided that they are installed and operated correctly according to the instructions. If the parts are installed by an authorised Wärtsilä field service expert the warranty may be even longer.

15. What happens if a reconditioned marine spare part fails or doesn’t fit properly?

Most reputable suppliers such as OEMs will offer a warranty for reconditioned marine spare parts. This reduces risk by providing financial compensation, repair or replacement if the reconditioned part is defective or does not perform as expected.

Wärtsilä, for example, offers a warranty for all reconditioned marine spare parts. Wärtsilä exchange parts are covered by the same warranty as new parts – provided that they are installed and operated according to the instructions. If the parts are installed by an authorised Wärtsilä field service expert the warranty may be even longer.

If the part doesn’t fit properly or isn’t needed, you may be able to return it – depending on the supplier – but you might have to pay a restocking fee.

16. How do I know if my marine spare part can be reconditioned?

If you have any doubts about whether a marine spare part can be reconditioned, contact your service provider.

Wärtsilä has a team of experts who know every inch of your equipment and can help you to identify the best way to keep your installation in peak condition. Please contact your nearest Wärtsilä representative for details.

17. How can I check if a reconditioned marine spare part is emission compliant?

Every owner and operator in the marine sector is responsible for making sure that the engines on their vessels are emission-compliant after any repair or maintenance work is done.

Choosing emission-critical reconditioned marine spare parts from Wärtsilä will help you to eliminate the risk of non-compliance. Emission-critical reconditioned marine spare parts from Wärtsilä are covered by a warranty, which means they will perform as designed in your engine. Reconditioned marine spare parts from Wärtsilä are also tested to meet IMO emission standards, helping you to avoid fines and reputational damage.

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