Converting 4.3l Mercruiser to inboard

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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I wouldn't trade down your 1998 for a 1989. The 1998 is a better motor (vortec heads)
 

NHGuy

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May 21, 2009
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There are so many serpentine belt lengths that there's got to be one to fit your PS delete length. I'd get a piece of rope and tie it in place, then remove it by sliding the adjuster out of the way. Then find a real parts house or old school shop that has a belt length checker. I would not think you need an idler where the pump was unless it keeps the belt from rubbing something. But if the engine HAS to have the idler check on Summit Racings web site and other similar ones. There are tons of aftermarket companies that make accessory drive hardware. Some of it is beautiful polished stuff.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
51,728
There are so many serpentine belt lengths that there's got to be one to fit your PS delete length. I'd get a piece of rope and tie it in place, then remove it by sliding the adjuster out of the way. Then find a real parts house or old school shop that has a belt length checker. I would not think you need an idler where the pump was unless it keeps the belt from rubbing something. But if the engine HAS to have the idler check on Summit Racings web site and other similar ones. There are tons of aftermarket companies that make accessory drive hardware. Some of it is beautiful polished stuff.

Just easier to cut belt until you have a length that works, then measure with tape measure. Multi-rib belts are sized by length in millimeters and number of ribs.
 
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