rusty pulley belt grooves

[jdamron]

Today I removed the serpentine belt from my Volvo Penta 3.0 GLP-C because I have been wanting to find the source of excessive squeaking that I have had on this boat for a really long time. When I first start up the engine cold I hardly hear anything, but the warmer it gets the loader the squeaking. Everything seems to run fine and all gauges are normal. It just sounds like something is about to fall apart and does not give me peace of mind while on the water.

All the pulleys seem to turn fine (no noticeable sticking or sounds when turning them by hand with the belt removed) and the belt does not look that bad although it is two to three years old. I am not sure if the belt tensioner might be bad because it seems to just always stay in one location. I am wondering if the problem might be that the tensioner is not keeping the belt tight enough and as things warm up maybe a sloppy belt squeaks more than when it is cold, but that is just a guess. I am considering ordering a new belt and and a new tensioner just to be safe. However, I would really like to clean up the rusty grooves in the pulleys before I put on a new belt. Please see image. I was wondering if anyone had any tips on the best way to do this. Is a wire brush and carburetor cleaner the best option or is there a better approach? Also, I would like to clean them while still attached so I do not have to remove the Alternator, power steering, water circulation pump pulley, etc.

View attachment 162763

Thanks in advance.

Jonathan

Glastron MX 175 17foot
Volvo Penta 3.0 GLP-C

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: rusty pulley belt grooves

when you turn the pulleys put all the sideways pressure on them you can. You will feel the bad one. If its RWC check water pump.

 

[sqbtr]

Re: rusty pulley belt grooves

Every tensioner I,ve ever seen had a limit indicator on it. They should also be constantly adjusting tension, yours sounds frozen.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: rusty pulley belt grooves

every idler in the world has a 6000 series bearing. that means the manufacturer spent an entire $0.27 on the bearing. this would be my first location, followed by the alternator (same 6000 series bearings)

with the belt on, boat in water or on muffs - start and run engine. use a mechanics stethoscope or take a large screwdriver or dowel and place on each accessory holding the other end to your skull near your ear. you will hear which item is squealing.