Belts

GasCan II

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 15, 2010
Messages
281
Can anyone tell me if there is a difference between an automotive drive belt and a marine belt. This is for the belt that drives the power steering and alternator on a 5.7 mercruiser.
Thanks
 

RogersJetboat454

Commander
Joined
Jul 9, 2010
Messages
2,964
Re: Belts

None.

Bring it (the old belt, and engine serial number) to NAPA, or any place that has people staffing it with half a brain in their heads. Should be able to help you.
 

GasCan II

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 15, 2010
Messages
281
Re: Belts

I'm sorry ,maybe I didn't say it right.
Is there any difference between the belt sold by Mercruiser and a Gates belt sold at NAPA ?
The manual says you will not get satisfactory service from an automotive belt, is this true ?
Thanks !
 

RogersJetboat454

Commander
Joined
Jul 9, 2010
Messages
2,964
Re: Belts

Is there a difference? From what I've seen, no.

But maybe one of the Mercruiser guys can fill you in on any distinct differences they may know of.

Have I gotten "satisfactory service" out of an "automotive" belt on a boat. Yep.

"Automotive" belt's don't exactly live a pampered life in cars.
 
Joined
Jun 17, 2012
Messages
940
Re: Belts

The only difference in the auto vs marine environment is the marine belt may sit for long periods of time in one position and may take a "set" into that position, but I've found nothing online that says it's a problem! So - a belt is a belt is a belt! Use whatever you wish ( but always carry a spare on the boat ;) )
 

RogersJetboat454

Commander
Joined
Jul 9, 2010
Messages
2,964
Re: Belts

The only difference in the auto vs marine environment is the marine belt may sit for long periods of time in one position and may take a "set" into that position

Same thing happens to the belt(s) in the guys Corvette that he only drives on nice days in the summer, and mothballs for the winter. Like you say, shouldn't much matter.
 

Volphin

Lieutenant
Joined
Jun 5, 2011
Messages
1,405
Re: Belts

I agree. The NAPA belts I put on my cars work just fine for marine apps.
 
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