How do I replace V-belt on Merc Alpha one 3.0?

[kmf777]

I snapped the P/S belt and I have been told I have to unmount the motor to get he new belts on. Any advice as to how best to do this? My marine mech. quoted me $185 to replace a belt! I need to figure it out! PLEASE HELP!
Kevin

 

[bomar76]

Re: How do I replace V-belt on Merc Alpha one 3.0?

If you look carefully at the front engine mount you will see you can partially disassemble it and the belt will be accessable. The mount will still hold the engine.

Buy 2 belts and loop a spare through there.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: How do I replace V-belt on Merc Alpha one 3.0?

What he said....^^^^^^ & read this post:.....
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=166482&highlight=belt
The pics are gone, but it should still be helpful.....
Welcome to iboats, btw......​

 

[Bondo]

Re: How do I replace V-belt on Merc Alpha one 3.0?

I snapped the P/S belt and I have been told I have to unmount the motor to get he new belts on.

Ayuh,............ I've never even Seen a 3.0l with Power Steering..........

 

[kmf777]

Re: How do I replace V-belt on Merc Alpha one 3.0?

Thanks to all for the replies. I took a quick look this AM and being the idiot I am I'm a bit confused on where "the spacer" is to be removed. Is it at the top of the pyramid shaped mount? I thank you for the link to the previous thread Haut Medoc, I wish it still had the pix tho. As a photographer by trade I need everything visual!
I am a newbie and not very mechanical but I have to learn these things or I will go broke trying to enjoy this awesome sport of boating!
Thanks for all your time!
Kevin

 

[bomar76]

Re: How do I replace V-belt on Merc Alpha one 3.0?

Ayuh,............ I've never even Seen a 3.0l with Power Steering..........

I saw that......considered it a typo.
Anyway, even if it did somehow have power steering, the deal on the mount is the same.

 

[Don S]

Re: How do I replace V-belt on Merc Alpha one 3.0?

I saw that......considered it a typo.
Anyway, even if it did somehow have power steering, the deal on the mount is the same.

It may not be a typo, and the 3.0L engines do have PS occasionally, and it doesn't always need the same thing as an alternator bellt. That is why I asked for the year and/or SN. On some, the belt is above the motor mount and doesn't require any mount or spacer removal.
Be careful what you assume around a boat engine.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: How do I replace V-belt on Merc Alpha one 3.0?

If ya post up the serial # maybe Don will post up the correct pics......​

 

[kmf777]

Re: How do I replace V-belt on Merc Alpha one 3.0?

I do not have the S/N handy but it is from '96 Rinker 180, Alpha One LX 3.0 definitely with p/s. the p/s belt disintegrated, as the pulley is very pitted and rusted. I read how I should clean, sand and repaint, will do. The center pulley is right on top of the mount with about 1/4 inch of clearance... not enough to get the belt through. I have read all the other threads that mention one must support the motor and disconnect it from the mount to slip on the belts. The large bolt at top of pyramid shaped mount is so rusted it will be hard to get off. Just want to know if that is what has to be taken off to create the space or get at the spacer. My mechanic is great, but being a newbie, $185 seems like he's taking advantage. I will definitely put on spare belts around the mount. Will taking the main pulley off (4 bolts) end up a nightmare?
Kevin

 

[kmf777]

Re: How do I replace V-belt on Merc Alpha one 3.0?

I do not have the S/N handy but it is from '96 Rinker 180, Alpha One LX 3.0 definitely with p/s. the p/s belt disintegrated, as the pulley is very pitted and rusted. I read how I should clean, sand and repaint, will do. The center pulley is right on top of the mount with about 1/4 inch of clearance... not enough to get the belt through. I have read all the other threads that mention one must support the motor and disconnect it from the mount to slip on the belts. The large bolt at top of pyramid shaped mount is so rusted it will be hard to get off. Just want to know if that is what has to be taken off to create the space or get at the spacer. My mechanic is great, but being a newbie, $185 seems like he's taking advantage. I will definitely put on spare belts around the mount. Will taking the main pulley off (4 bolts) end up a nightmare?
Kevin

" LIFE is what happens when you are busy making other plans"

-John Lennon

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: How do I replace V-belt on Merc Alpha one 3.0?

http://www-alt.mercurymarine.com/mnetdata/Service/Cruiser/Servmanl/13/13covr2.pdf
See if this helps.....
Look at the pic in section 1-B-page 10....
If this is it.....
You can just loosen the ps unit & remove the pulley....

 

[mikeneal]

Re: How do I replace V-belt on Merc Alpha one 3.0?

I owned and have seen several other 3.0 L with power steering. I always loop a second one thru there for a spare in case it fails while out on water.

 

[Don S]

Re: How do I replace V-belt on Merc Alpha one 3.0?

I owned and have seen several other 3.0 L with power steering. I always loop a second one thru there for a spare in case it fails while out on water.

That is for the ALTERNATOR BELT neal, he his asking about his power steering belt, and it doesn't need to have a belt tied to anything. It's above the mount!
All you have to do is stick one in your spare parts.

That and clean the rust off the pulleys and paint them so they don't destroy belts.

 

[kmf777]

Re: How do I replace V-belt on Merc Alpha one 3.0?

Thank you Don S, Haut Medoc and all. Super big help and I will attempt this weekend!
Happy sailing, or cruising, or fishing!
Kevin