NAPA ST85 vs. ST85SB

[portert0224]

I went to my nearest NAPA to get the ST85 Glow Plug Relay that was recommended on this site. It was $57. The NAPA guy said "we have the ST85SB for $27". He said it was the same part, just a different manufacturer. Will the ST85SB do the same job as the ST85? Please advise.
Thanks in advance,
Tracy

 

[rnd-motorsports]

I would think the part from the other manufacture would work just fine many parts are made at the same place and put in dif boxes for the dif stores and with the napa name you just pay for the name I drove truck for cardone a parts rebuilder in philly axles,waterpumps mast cyl. and such and all the parts came off the same line at the end just the boxes were dif depending on what store they were going to say napa , parts plus, carquest etc. just like snapon for tools sometimes the name is what you are buying!

 

[Warthog]

These are two totally different relays.

If you use the ST85SB make sure that the coil DOES NOT use the mounting bracket for a ground.

The BWD S603 is another good substitution for the ST85. It is also cheaper.

 

[m816Buch]

inner contacts are made out of better stuff (copper) and coil winding is heavier on the st85

 

[doghead]

I would return with my DMM, and test the alternate relay choice(before buying). With a stock CUCV glow plug controller/system, you need a relay that has NO continuity between either of the small studs, to it mounting(isolated ground of the coil)

There is a specification for the coil resistance, not sure what your alternate will have there either and not sure it will matter.

Good luck and let us know what you choose and find out after it's installed.

 

[doghead]

I just called my local NAPA, and asked. He said they are supposed to be made to the same specifications, just the SB is made "overseas" and the original ST85 is/was not always made "overseas".

I'd be willing to bet the SB version is "cheaper" in quality, as in price. Just my guess. Contact materials, wire quality, plastics, and assembly method, and other things may differ.

When I asked if they had either in stock, he looked and said, nope, just the "good" ones!....

 

[Warthog]

When I asked if they had either in stock, he looked and said, nope, just the "good" ones!....

So what are the good ones?

 

[doghead]

They had the ST85 relay instock.

 

[portert0224]

Thanks guys. From the sound of it, I think I'll play it safe and get the ST85.

 

[ActionStarCBRxx]

I just bought the ST85 yesterday... checked the box and it was made in China. I complained stating that I come to NAPA to get parts that have "better" quality. Asst Manager stated it was made to "Napa specs" but he did knock the price down to $50.

 

[lindyp38]

i got the one that was recommended here...........i always.....say.....u get what u pay for....

 

[Buckmaw]

Use the ST85 and never worry about it again...

 

[Riverhawk]

When I called NAPA they said they had the ST85 in stock. When I got there there was an ST85SB on the counter. Said his inventory was off. I questioned the difference. He said it was a good, better, best thing. ST85 being best and ST85SB being better. Cured the problem. Thanks for the advise!