Rusty main v-belt drive pulley grooves

[harojs]

VP 5.0L (302)

Changing the belts I noticed some rust in my main v-belt drive pulley (crankshaft) grooves. Probably because I have not used the boat as much yet this year.

Rust is not super deep, but the grooves are not smooth like new.

Should I try to get that rust off the v-belt grooves before putting on new belts, or is it ok to let rust wear off over time?

If so, what are some suggestions for rust removal? wire brush on drill? sand paper?

 

[jimmbo]

on my Baba's Farm where the pullies on the Swathers and Combines were exposed to rain/snow between Harvests, and were badly rusted, after about 10 - 15 minutes the grooves looked very shiny again. I wouldn't worry about a bit of rust. After a few months of being parked for the winter, some of the pullies on my cars are rusted, I just start them up and drive em

 

[Scott Danforth]

wire brush on a drill.

 

[jerryjerry05]

80 grit sandpaper.
Start the motor and see how many fingers you can loose
Be careful!! maybe a wire brush?