3.0 Mercruiser Alternator Belt shredded

[imported_John_Galt]

Is it safe/ok to drive my boat approx. 1 Mile without alternator belt? It shredded when I docked last night and I need to get it to a shop before my vacation is totally ruined :'(

 

[Bt Doctur]

Well you will most likely overheat the motor, just need a 37 or 40 inch belt from an auto store

 

[Bt Doctur]

http://www.palmerpower.com/mercruiser-boat-parts/v-belts

 

[imported_John_Galt]

BT DR - Thanks for the info. I bought the proper belt and after an hour F'ing with the pulley that nearly rides on the motor mount I was able to install and she runs like a top. Thanks for the quick follow-up.

Gene

 

[kenny nunez]

Take a close look at the condition of the pulleys, they may be rusted and this will cause the belt to get shredded. All the shredded belt material is probably stuck to the flame arrestor and may cause the engine to be down on power and use more fuel.
Blow it out from the inside out with compressed air or a strong stream of water. Wiping it off will push the material further in.

 

[NHGuy]

Also spin all the pulleys to be sure their bearings are good.

 

[imported_John_Galt]

Kenny, Nothing in flame arrestor that I can see or feel. No compressor or hose where I am in the woods, Seems to run fine. No Rust on Pulleys. NHGuy - Pully's spin with no noise at all. Thanks Guys.

Gene

 

[imported_John_Galt]

I have noticed since this belt issue my boat is running hotter than normal. Always ran at 125 and didn't move. Now it is just south of 175 and no hotter or cooler. Any Ideas??

Gene

 

[danhenke]

I have noticed since this belt issue my boat is running hotter than normal. Always ran at 125 and didn't move. Now it is just south of 175 and no hotter or cooler. Any Ideas??

Gene

depending on the year, 175 is normal. With a busted belt, that turns the water pump, I’d be mildly concerned your water pump might be seizing up, or the pulley is seizing. I say that because I have had a similar issue last year on my 3.0, my alternator was dragging, which made the belt skip, not turning the water pump impeller. When the tech replaced the alternator, he also notice the water pump dragging.

Once bothe we’re replaced, cooling issue was under control, and no more shredded belts. Mine was a 2010. Easy enough for me to repair myself, I just didn’t have time last year.

 

[imported_John_Galt]

Dan, Thanks for the info. Everything seems to be turning well but would be hard to tell if there is any drag on it. Any tests I can run on it?

 

[danhenke]

Dan, Thanks for the info. Everything seems to be turning well but would be hard to tell if there is any drag on it. Any tests I can run on it?

I honestly wouldn’t know, more than likely NOT the culprit, maybe something to keep in mind. Are you dead certain that your temp was 125 before? I’ve owned a number of mercruiser 3.0s over the years, and the lowest I recall my thermostat opening was 140 on the oldest, hell, I wouldn’t even think a thermostat would open at 125. Lol, maybe your mind is playing tricks on you. If you search operation temps, I’m sure you’ll see a range of about 140-175 is the usual

 

[imported_John_Galt]

I may be an old salt but I am not that old ;-) I note it just about every time I'm in the boat just to be sure. That is why I was so concerned when i saw it was nearly 175. I'll ask my boat dealership when I get back from Vacation. Thanks for your input.

Gene