Best way to install a timing belt on inline 6?

[8075mercury]

What is the best way to install a timing belt on an early 79 90hp inline 6?

I could not find anything in the factory service manual but it is pretty tricky to get the timing belt on the flywheel and aligned properly without twisting or hanging up or running the risk of damaging the belt.

Is it better to take the flywheel apart? Or is there another trick?

Much thanks!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Best way to install a timing belt on inline 6?

You need to remove the red outer flywheel. You then should be able to install the belt on the inner flywheel. Now you can reinstall the red outer flywheel, and set the timing pointer to TDC and install the belt on the dissy.

 

[8075mercury]

Re: Best way to install a timing belt on inline 6?

Ok and thanks! Trying to thread the timing belt and slide the flywheel on without taking it apart did not seem too good for the timing belt.

Do you know the ft lb torque spec for the smaller (1/4"??) bolts? It would seem to me that they have to go on very much correctly, right?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Best way to install a timing belt on inline 6?

The bolts are grade 8 5/16 fine thread. Use a standard 5/16 bolt torque.

I used some blue threadlocker on them and on the dissy pully bolt.

 

[8075mercury]

Re: Best way to install a timing belt on inline 6?

Much thanks for the help and advice !