Belt Change Merc 120

silly5b

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Mar 25, 2005
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I have to change the alternator belt on a 1983 Merc 120 Serial#6273129. A hunk of the front motor mount needs to come out to release the belt.Do I need to support the engine while it is out and/or realign the engine after the change? I have the Merc manual #3. It shows the mount but doesn't say anything about it. Thanks
 

Don S

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Aug 31, 2004
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Re: Belt Change Merc 120

If you happen to have power steering, remove the PS belt (A)<br />Then remove the 2 bolts (B) holding the port side of the motor mount. Pry the spacer (C) out, replace the belt. Put the spacer and bolts back in, tighten belt, install PS belt if applicable, and go boating.<br /><br />
3.0belt%20change.png
 

Buttanic

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Sep 25, 2003
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Re: Belt Change Merc 120

Put a block of wood undr the oil pan to support the engine and pull the motor mount. you won't need ti realign it as long as you do not move the lower nut on the motor mount ajustment screw.
 

silly5b

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Re: Belt Change Merc 120

Great! Thanks for the help. This little 4 banger doesn't have power steering. I was just concerned that she'd sag with those bolts out.
 

beauff

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Sep 2, 2005
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Re: Belt Change Merc 120

I was wondering this myself. It worked great.
 

Phantom17

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Feb 7, 2005
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Re: Belt Change Merc 120

I have an OMC version of that motor. Buy 2 belts and snap tie the second one in, but out of the running belts path. Then when your on the water with only your "in the water" tool box, if you blow the belt you can change it in a matter of minutes, vs tow, ramp, trailer, home, blah blah blah. Enjoy!
 

tony dz

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Jun 5, 2006
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Re: Belt Change Merc 120

This old post hope someone is still watching.. I have a mercruiser 165 inline 6.. I tried removing the bolts that Don S described, but the lower bolt hits the engine compartment when you back it out and I can't get it out of block "C". Is there a workaround for this or a different trick for my engine?
 

Bt Doctur

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Aug 29, 2004
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19,092
Re: Belt Change Merc 120

Same for the inline 6, you need to modify the engine compartment. sounds like you originally had a 4 in there not a 6
 

tony dz

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Jun 5, 2006
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Re: Belt Change Merc 120

Somthing still doesn't seem right.. I drilled out my engine compartment so that could back the bolt out and eventually got the spacer out... but then as I started looking closer at the drive pulleys I noticed there was minimal gap between them and the motor mount.. there's still no way to squeeze a belt through with this procedure.. do I just have an oddball or has anybody else had this problem.<br /><br />as for the motor being non-stock.. it's possible, but not likely.. the boat's a 78 and my father-in law had it since 84.. unless the first owner swapped out the engine in the first few years it must be stock..
 

michael-lagrange

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May 3, 2006
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211
Re: Belt Change Merc 120

Did the motor drop a bit when you pulled the spacer,with rubber(isolater) motor mounts you may be able to pry a bit and get the space you need but be carfull where you apply the force to do this make sure its a solid point,like from the mount to the center of the crank pully.
 

llerrad

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Jan 21, 2003
Messages
172
Re: Belt Change Merc 120

Don't forget to put on an extra belt and tie it out of the way for the next belt replacement. Save taking off the mount again.
 

oh-u812?

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May 29, 2006
Messages
76
Re: Belt Change Merc 120

tony dz, look again at the diagram. It might not route between the pulley and the mount. I believe the belt goes around that mount. That's a good idea about putting two on.
 
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