Merc 3.0l going through alternator belts like there going out of fashion......

[Walker600]

Hey Guys,

Was wondering if any of you had come across this problem before, or how to start diagnosing it..... I have a 3.0l 4 cyl mercruiser, no power steering, serial number is in the signature..... Every time I use that boat the alternator belt stretches out to the point where in needing the replace the belt almost monthly.... The belts seem to be getting thinner as time goes on as well.... nothing on the engine looks mis-aligned, there's no wobble on any of the pullys and the other day I wire brushed the inside to get them all nice and smooth (they we're feeling a little rusty and I was wondering if that could be the problem)

Also, whats a harmonic balancer. (i hope that not too dumb a question)

Thanks for any advise

Chris

 

[Don S]

Re: Merc 3.0l going through alternator belts like there going out of fashion......

Rusty pulleys eat belts.

The harmonic balancer is basically the pulley on the front of the crankshaft. It has a rubber insert in it if you look close. It dampens harmonic vibrations in the engine.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Merc 3.0l going through alternator belts like there going out of fashion......

(they we're feeling a little rusty and I was wondering if that could be the problem)

Ayuh,... That IS in fact yer Problem....

Clean 'em up, 'n paint 'em, or replace 'em....

The balancer is that big heavy chunk of iron next to the crankshaft pulley...

 

[fmalott]

Re: Merc 3.0l going through alternator belts like there going out of fashion......

i'm kinda thinking back in the day i own a chevy nova i had to change the belt all the time it looked all aligned couldn't figure it out so i changed the alternator and it all went away my mechanic said maybe the bearings was siezing up and the alternator was not spinning the same as the balancer i have no proof that was it but it did make a little sense. just throwing it in there Good luck

 

[Walker600]

Re: Merc 3.0l going through alternator belts like there going out of fashion......

thanks for the heads up guys, i'll re-clean + paint my pullys and see if this sorts the problem, will report back when the boats back in the water