Belts - Marine vs. Auto

[brianwhart]

Is there any difference between Marine and Auto belts? I have a 97 Mercruiser 4.3 and the Power Steering pump pulley shattered this past weekend. I went to get a new pulley and they told me that they quit making the cheap 4 3/4 inch plastic one that was on there and sold me a 5 1/4 inch metal one and a new belt that was suppose to be slightly larger to compensate for the larger pulley. I put the pulley on which fits the shaft fine, but the new belt is the same size as the belt already on there. I loosened everything that would pivot to try to get it back on there but it's not going. Would it hurt anything to get a slightly larger belt from an auto parts store? Or is there such thing as a "marine" belt that needs to be used on marine engines?

 

[chris in va]

Re: Belts - Marine vs. Auto

Yeah, there is a 'marine' belt that is stronger and supposedly able to take the 'marine environment' better. However, you *can* use automotive belts if you keep an eye on the integrity. Think about it...car belts are subjected to a lot of moisture/heat/friction as well.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Belts - Marine vs. Auto

Go with a Gates Green belt. They are the heavy duty/harsh duty belts designed for ALL weather conditions.<br /><br />Available at most good auto parts stores.<br /><br />Bob

 

[Bondo]

Re: Belts - Marine vs. Auto

A Belt is a Belt.....<br />One that Fits,+ is Adjusted Right, Is the one your looking for.....