Intermitent squeal from belt - '96 Merc 3lx

[bowler]

Hi all,

Upon starting the boat this weekend there is a loud squealing coming from the belt (i think). After 20-30 seconds the squealing stops. It is accompanied by the smell of burning rubber. Once stopped it does not come back until the boat has sat for 20 mins etc and is then re-started. No squealing had occoured up to this point. Also, it does not squeal everytime it starts but most times.

I 've read around the forums and need to double check the next few possible steps:

Tighten belt?
Remove belt and check pulleys and movement when spun by hand?
Check for rust and maybe repaint if necessary?
Replace belt?

Any advice is welcome! Thanks in advance.

Darren.

 

[rjwoodrome]

Re: Intermitent squeal from belt - '96 Merc 3lx

Remove old belt. Check for difficult to turn pullys. if belt has spun and smells you should go ahead and replace it, they get glazed and craked then whoops there they go!
After new belt is on tighten properly, If its too tight it could damage bearings and seals in the belt driven comonents. if there is an idler pully thats spring loaded then it will self tension.

 

[Don S]

Re: Intermitent squeal from belt - '96 Merc 3lx

Probably a loose belt.
It's very easy to check, next time you start the engine, leave the engine hatch open and watch it and see what isn't turning.

 

[bowler]

Re: Intermitent squeal from belt - '96 Merc 3lx

addressed this problem today by switching belts and checking pulleys and squeal has gone. as usual all the advice i needed was here at iboats:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=48596

sadly i hadn't thought of putting a spare belt on while the engine mounts were off when i ordered the new belt so i tied the old off and it'll do for a 'get me to shore' spare if the replacement ever snaps.

going to head out for a blast now and use up all this old fuel