4.3 belt configurations

[matth121]

Hi guys- been working on what i've been told is a 96 4.3L. been at it long enough that i should have a serial but sadly, i don't. here's my issue- i started looking for a replacement alternator for it going by engine size and year and everything points to an alternator that uses a wider serpentine belt. In order to find the alternator thats on this boat, which uses narrow individual belts, i have to set the year back to 91 or 92. I will get a serial number next time i'm out there but can anyone comment as to if merc switched over to a serpentine setup and what year that would make this engine?

 

[achris]

The OEM number for the alternator is -817119A4. Try this alternator.. http://www.iboats.com/Alternator-Sie...view_id.172486
Merc moved to serpentine belts on the V6s in mid-1996, with the advent of the Gen+ engines. (starting with serial number 0F803114) If yours is a V-belt, then it's a 'Gen II' engine, and could still be a 1996, but an early 1996....

 

[matth121]

i wrote down the serial number and forgot to take it home with me...D'Oh! if my memory is right.. 0D780403 is it. any chance you could tell me what type of oil i should be using- definitely needs to be changed and i discovered a bypassed oil pressure switch so i'll be fixing that too(part number?) And if you don't already want to punch me, i could use the pn for the filter too, lol.