BELT BUSTED - NEEP EXPERTISE!

[theginns]

I have a mercruiser 5.7 v8 350 (1985). When I was out this weekend, as I was heading out on a wonderful fishing trip, I smelt something burning. I opened the enging compartment and black smoke was coming out. I went back to the dock, and it stopped. No more the rest of the day. I never got any alarms, and kept a close eye on my gauges. Upon returning home, I noticed that the belt to the alternator was destroyed. I am pretty sure that it was the belt burning, but what could have caused this problem? Also, what belt replacement should I get? The old belt is pretty new, but it has a NAPA logo and NAPA part number on it.

 

[Laddies]

Re: BELT BUSTED - NEEP EXPERTISE!

Ck the alt. shaft and see if the bearings are bad, there is nothing the matter with a NAPA belt if it is the right one--Bob

 

[vipzach]

Re: BELT BUSTED - NEEP EXPERTISE!

Spin the alt. and see if it is locked up. If not go to napa and get another bet and make sure it is adjusted properly. Someone else can probly give you more thoughts on it though.

 

[DamnitBadger]

Re: BELT BUSTED - NEEP EXPERTISE!

Check the alt. Some times if belts strech they will not maintain positive contact with the pulleys and slip bad enough to burn them selves up. Was your motor overheating as well? Same belt should operate your water pump also. I always keep a spare onboard.

 

[marinemech1]

Re: BELT BUSTED - NEEP EXPERTISE!

have a look at power steering pump as well

 

[flashback]

Re: BELT BUSTED - NEEP EXPERTISE!

Your alternator is fried, If your setup is like mine, you have a seperate belt for the power steering so that would not be the problem, I assume the alternator belt is gone at this point, so turn the pulley on the alternator by hand and you will be able to "feel" if it turns smoothly. if you feel hesitation or grittyness, then you need a new one.........good luck

 

[Bondo]

Re: BELT BUSTED - NEEP EXPERTISE!

I Totally Agree with the Diagnosis Above.....<br /><br />I just Can't Believe you went out boating All Day,....<br />After experiencing evidence of a Fire in the engine compartment....................<br /><br />The way your post reads,.... <br />The Problem Should have been Extremely Evident when you Returned to the Dock.............<br />Did you even lift the hatch and Inspect the engine ??? <br /><br />I Hope your Sea-Tow Insurance is paid up..........

 

[bigbrownbuku]

Re: BELT BUSTED - NEEP EXPERTISE!

check the pulley alignment also, brackets twist etc sometimes causing belts to wear prematurely.

 

[theginns]

Re: BELT BUSTED - NEEP EXPERTISE!

Bondo.....I am not that stupid!! After the initial smoke, we went back to the dock, removed the cover, inspected, and there was a little oil that was aroung the filter...so we thought that some oil had just burnt off the manifold. We ran the engine (at the dock) and everything was normal. No broken belts at that time. I guess the belt had not broken at that time. We did not go back out until everything was thought to be normal!!!