serpentine belts

[MBAKER]

Serpentine belt on my 5.7 needs replaced, the Merc # on the current belt has been superceded once maybe twice that I can tell and from what I can track down the latest # comes in at roughly 75$....I went to local O'reilly's and match it up with a Gates belt for 25$. I cannot think of any reason why something like a belt would need to be 'marine' but just wanted to see if Im missing something. My gut is telling me just put the gates on.... agree/disagree?

 

[agallant80]

Re: serpentine belts

This has been brought up several times. Go for the auto parts store belt. There is no reason to get the "marine" belt.

http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser-i-o-inboard-engines-outdrives/belts-marine-vs-auto-41542.html

http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser-i-o-inboard-engines-outdrives/marine-vs-auto-belts-300982.html

 

[Bondo]

Re: serpentine belts

Serpentine belt on my 5.7 needs replaced, the Merc # on the current belt has been superceded once maybe twice that I can tell and from what I can track down the latest # comes in at roughly 75$....I went to local O'reilly's and match it up with a Gates belt for 25$. I cannot think of any reason why something like a belt would need to be 'marine' but just wanted to see if Im missing something. My gut is telling me just put the gates on.... agree/disagree?

Ayuh,.... I agree with ya,....

I can't think of a single reason the right sized belt from a different store matters a single bit,....

 

[Fun Times]

Re: serpentine belts

Then why does Gates mention Marine Drive Belts on their web site.:noidea:
Marine Products - Marine - Automotive Aftermarket | Gates Corporation

 

[Volphin]

Re: serpentine belts

Profits! LOL

I always had great luck with the gatorbacks and NAPA belts.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: serpentine belts

Ive just done a new belt and not a marine belt ...i have purchased a second belt just in case.. it ride's in the boat..However when it comes to belt tensioners they (Volvo) do use a heavy duty tensioner..much larger than the automotive version....Has anyone ever come up with a substitute for the Volvo belt tensioner???

 

[southkogs]

Re: serpentine belts

Profits! LOL

I always had great luck with the gatorbacks and NAPA belts.

Actually I just swapped belts on the ole' stringer and the NAPA belt was a Gates belt. That's what OMC part swap popped up on the computer for them too - never saw anything about marine ratings on it.

 

[Volphin]

Re: serpentine belts

Actually I just swapped belts on the ole' stringer and the NAPA belt was a Gates belt. That's what OMC part swap popped up on the computer for them too - never saw anything about marine ratings on it.

Interesting. LOL I should be good to go for years then!

When you get a chance, PM me your email addy and I'll send show pics there each night.

 

[southkogs]

Re: serpentine belts

...When you get a chance, PM me your email addy and I'll send show pics there each night.

Just sent you one. Thanks.

 

[News to Me]

Re: serpentine belts

I just replaced my serp belt while winterizing my 350 mag with a gates from NAPA. My engine has the sea pump on it with a bravo 3 out drive. Took the OEM belt with me and it was the same as their 1066K6. 30 bucks is much better then 95. Have not put her in the water yet, but ran it on the muffs with no problems. It will be some peace of mind having a spare on board next season.