Alternator belt installation

[Jtgetts]

Afternoon! I need some help with installing the alternator belt on the Mercruiser Alpha One in my '88 Celebrity. I've removed the larger, outer belt and sanded the rust off the alternator pulley. Just can't figure out how to get the belt on. The top and bottom pulleys in the center basically touch each other so I'm not quite sure how to feed the belt through. Also, would it be easier for me to remove the rear seat for easier access? Thanks in advance.

 

[Starcraft5834]

you have not said what engine you have... Im guessing it's a 3.0? if so.. losen the slider nut on the alternator bar to take tension off the belt...there's also a "spacer block" between the engine block and alternator that comes out to get the belt on... other's will chime in what that's called.. once you have the name google it up on Utube,, likely lots of vids showing how to do it... simple job.. if it's not the 3.0 am not familiar with it. Either way once you know how to do it, some folks leave an extra belt in place zip tied out of the way for the next belt that breaks,, then you only have to losen the alternator slide nut pop it on, tighten it up and off you go again..

 

[Scott Danforth]

if its the 3.0, I would also install a second belt and tie-wrap it to the mount. makes changing the belt in a few years easier.

 

[Jtgetts]

Yep, 3.0. Sorry I omitted that. Would it be easier to remove the seat? Or does it really matter?

 

[Bondo]

Yep, 3.0. Sorry I omitted that. Would it be easier to remove the seat? Or does it really matter?

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... We can't see Yer boat, if the seat is in yer way, pull it Outa the way,....

 

[Jtgetts]

So another stupid question-is the alternator belt supposed to go around 2 pulleys or 3 on the 3.0?

 

[Bondo]

So another stupid question-is the alternator belt supposed to go around 2 pulleys or 3 on the 3.0?

Ayuh,.... All 3,....

 

[Jtgetts]

Well then, the belt I bought won't fit! The old belt came in just under 42-obviously a piece of it is floating in the goo down below. Any chance Bondo, kind sir, you know the appropriate length of the alternator belt?

 

[Starcraft5834]

My 3.0 takes a 42 in belt..u should be able to loosen your slider/lock nut on alternator arm to created enough room there

 

[Starcraft5834]

Autozone has em

 

[Jtgetts]

Thanks, ImperialVC200. 42incher won't fit-unless I get a belt stretcher! At least 3-4inches from the pulley with the alternator all the way loose. Frustration is setting in-a trip to the auto parts store tomorrow is imperative. Going to grab belts 1 and 2 sizes longer and give that a go.

 

[Starcraft5834]

you've got enough play room in the alternator slider to take up slack on a longer belt... couple inches.. good luck!

 

[Jtgetts]

The belt install was a breeze with a longer belt! Getting a rrrr, rrrr, click, click now though. Hoping its just a weak battery. Thanks for the help!

 

[Scott Danforth]

or bad connections

 

[Jtgetts]

or bad connections

Well, the radio kicks off when the blower is turned on so I'm sure there are a few electrical gremlins. I think the battery just lost charge when the alternator belt snapped headed back in the other day. The battery came up weak when NAPA tested it so I'm hoping that's why it won't fire up.