The right belts? 1996, 7.4L, 454

[art_yatsko]

Help!, my mercrusier ate her belts! Over the course of a day, two broke in to many pieces and the raw water pump belt was twisted and almost off the balancer. I'd like to get new belts on to try and see the problem. My pieces of belts have no numbers (and I can't find any web site that even shows a schematic of the alternator belt). The other belts are a bit pricey. I've come across a few posts that mention using automobile belts. This would be great, since I may damage them again, before solving the problem. Stopped by the local parts store and they couldn't crossreferance the numbers that I could find on line. Does anyone know where/who can, or have the auto part numbers?

BTW, any suggestions as to what's eating the belts?
:devil:

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: The right belts? 1996, 7.4L, 454

Before putting the belts on,try turning each pulley,and see if you have a bearing seizing.

DHP

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: The right belts? 1996, 7.4L, 454

Check your pullys also. If they are rusty and pitted, that will eat the belts up pretty fast.

 

[Don S]

Re: The right belts? 1996, 7.4L, 454

Go to Mercury Parts Express at http://www.mercurypartsexpress.com/PartsExpress/HomePage/homepage.asp then type in your engine serial number and you will have a parts breakdown with all the OEM part numbers for your engine. There is also a parts breakdown at dougrussel.com.

Like the other guys, rusty pulleys are the number 1 reason for belt damage. Along with frozen bearings in alternators.

 

[art_yatsko]

Re: The right belts? 1996, 7.4L, 454

Go to Mercury Parts Express at http://www.mercurypartsexpress.com/PartsExpress/HomePage/homepage.asp then type in your engine serial number and you will have a parts breakdown with all the OEM part numbers for your engine. There is also a parts breakdown at dougrussel.com.

Like the other guys, rusty pulleys are the number 1 reason for belt damage. Along with frozen bearings in alternators.

Thanks, I have spun the water pump and power steering. I'll try the alt and raw water...as soon as the rain stops. The pulleys looked good, but I will give them a closer review.
For whatever reason, doug russell nor mercury parts express, show an alternator belt. I've looked at all the pages. Plan to measure w/ a rope when I'm back on the boat. Thanks for the tips.
Since I can't spin the balancer by hand, how do I know if it's bad? Will it be loose? or out of square w/shaft or block?

 

[Don S]

Re: The right belts? 1996, 7.4L, 454

Since I can't spin the balancer by hand, how do I know if it's bad? Will it be loose? or out of square w/shaft or block?

The balancer is attached solidly to the end of the crankshaft. It's also what turns all the other belts, so NO, you won't be able to turn it by hand. Since I don't have your engine serial number, and don't know if you have a Gen V or Gen VI engine, I can't really help you with where to find the belt number or what the belt number is. But if you post your SN, I can get it for you.

Also, clean shiny pulleys do not wear out belts. While you may think they are fine, If they are not smooth, they will wear down the belt.
UNLESS, the belts have been on there since 96, in which case they probably wore out. Especially if they were loose. That just compounds the wear and tear on a belt.

 

[art_yatsko]

Re: The right belts? 1996, 7.4L, 454

Thanks, belts were two years old. I measured them w/clothles line and end up w/wrong size. (note to others - use 3/8 or 1/2 inch line. Gates #'s are 7410,7470, & 7555. "old counterman" says he could match "anybody's" part number.)
Now new belts are on, and re tightened. All appear to align well. Alt belt seems to "bounce" a little. Power steering and raw water (what I can see of it) look fine. Balancer might have a bit of a wobble (bow to stern). It's hard to see so close to fuel tank and under aftermarket FWC tank/hoses. Maybe balancer took a wack when engine was re installed? Packed a spare set of belts. Do I run them till they drop, or is there a way test balancer & engine water pump pulley?

 

[henderd]

Re: The right belts? 1996, 7.4L, 454

Just a thought, but could it be that when the first belt went, it damaged the others by getting twisted up in them or wedging in the pulleys?