Removing pulley to change belt

[chefg1124]

Hi. I am trying to change the belt on a 2001 3.0 mercruiser. I know I have to take out the engine mount to the right which I did I got the belt off the pulleys but the clearance btw the water pump pulley (I think it is at least) and the engine mount is less than 1/16 of an inch. I have read the best way to go is to remove the pulley. There are 4 bolts. So my question is what is the best way to lock the pulley from spinning so I can remove the bolts. Also if I go this route is the pulley basically flush mounted to the engine? I barely have any room to pull it strait back. Have to Angel it out and if there is any kind of rod that needs to be pulled strait back I will never get it off. Thanks for the help. Hope my description was clear enough.

Michael

 

[Scott Danforth]

use a pry-bar between two of the bolt heads to hold it, or use an impact gun and just zip them off.

I normally just pull off the whole front mount assembly with a jack under the motor.

 

[kenny nunez]

Buy a second belt and wire tie it inside the bracket.