How to change belts on an 89 Mercruiser 4.3 engine

[i'monaboat]

Both of my belts broke on my 89 Mercruiser 4.3L engine and I'm not sure on how to replace them. I've read where the belt that goes around the alternator has a tensioner on it that you can loosen, but I'm not sure about the larger belt that goes to the power steering and water pump. I have the manuals, but I couldn't find it in there. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Don S]

Re: How to change belts on an 89 Mercruiser 4.3 engine

I would have to bet all your pulleys are rusty or you wouldn't have broken 2 belts at the same time. Until you get them cleaned up and painted or replaced, new belts will only last a trip or two.
Here is a link to the OEM service manual with instructions. http://www.4shared.com/document/1FdjddET/Service_Manual_07.html

 

[i'monaboat]

Re: How to change belts on an 89 Mercruiser 4.3 engine

It looks like it to me that the belts were on there for a while because you can definitely tell they were old, especially after the new ones i just bought. We've used the boat for last two months almost every weekend and last weekend was when they broke.

Also, I've downloaded that manual before and I just went through every page and I do not see any instructions on replacing the belts.

 

[cruzin1a]

Re: How to change belts on an 89 Mercruiser 4.3 engine

I also just went through the manual for my 5.7 260 and can't find any info on the pulley's. The belts on my boat I just purchased looke dated and they are a little loose. From my experience when you adjust a loose old belt they usually let go. So with that in mind I figure I will replaced them this weekend. But I never really thought about the condition of the pulleys. I am interested in how I could clean them up.