Merc 3.0 belt replacements can be challenging time-wise, but would you,

[Fun Times]

Try doing it this way? As it seems sort of similar to compression in general of Merc vs VW, etc..

I think I’d end up in the hospital with something missing with my luck trying something of these sorts.

Just for fun, Any tricks of the trade to share like these out there?

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[dingbat]

Doesn't look any more dangerous than using starting fluid to put a 11.2-24 tractor tire back on the rim....lol

 

[airshot]

What is so difficult, could change mine in a half hour or less. I always kept a spare zip tied in place so only had a couple of bolts to loosen to slide the new one into place. Now...if you can't acess your motor.....thats another story !!

 

[Bondo]

Try doing it this way? As it seems sort of similar to compression in general of Merc vs VW, etc..

I think I’d end up in the hospital with something missing with my luck trying something of these sorts.

Just for fun, Any tricks of the trade to share like these out there?

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Ayuh,..... That won't work on a 3.0l Merc, as the motor mount is in the way,....

 

[ScottinAZ]

Ayuh,..... That won't work on a 3.0l Merc, as the motor mount is in the way,....

exactly... one of the motor mounts goes THROUGH the center of the belt. other than that, its an easy job. Not that its HARD, mind you, just need a way to support the engine when you remove the mount.

 

[airshot]

You remove the mount in your driveway and add another belt, just zip tie it off to the side. When you old belt breaks, just loosen the alternator and slip the new belt in place. Adjust and go. Most everyone I know with a 3.0 does this, even got that tip right hear on iboats.

 

[JimS123]

You remove the mount in your driveway and add another belt, just zip tie it off to the side. When you old belt breaks, just loosen the alternator and slip the new belt in place. Adjust and go. Most everyone I know with a 3.0 does this, even got that tip right hear on iboats.

Sounds like a good idea. However, I didn't need to replace the belt until about 30 years, so I figured I wouldn't need to do it again in my lifetime.

 

[ScottinAZ]

Sounds like a good idea. However, I didn't need to replace the belt until about 30 years, so I figured I wouldn't need to do it again in my lifetime.

the one on my Galaxy was original when I replaced it last year..... so 43 years old.... about 15 of those were off the water though.... I do see a point in having a spare though, if it breaks at an "inopportune" time, its not like you can jury rig something quick to get you home..... having the spare right there could be the difference between a "minor inconvenience" and an Oh $hit moment on the water

 

[JimS123]

the one on my Galaxy was original when I replaced it last year..... so 43 years old.... about 15 of those were off the water though.... I do see a point in having a spare though, if it breaks at an "inopportune" time, its not like you can jury rig something quick to get you home..... having the spare right there could be the difference between a "minor inconvenience" and an Oh $hit moment on the water

Being anal about getting home without a tow, I have ALWAYS carried an emergency belt. Orange in color with snap together fixtures, it can be installed in seconds with no tools.

 

[Scott06]

Sounds like a good idea. However, I didn't need to replace the belt until about 30 years, so I figured I wouldn't need to do it again in my lifetime.

Same here the original belt was on my '91 3.0 when I sold it in 2016, hoses too...

 

[Bondo]

Same here the original belt was on my '91 3.0 when I sold it in 2016, hoses too...

Ayuh,..... The #1 belt killer on our marine motors, is rusty pulleys,.....

Keep the pulleys clean / painted, 'n a belt will last darn near forever,.....

 

[Scott06]

Ayuh,..... The #1 belt killer on our marine motors, is rusty pulleys,.....

Keep the pulleys clean / painted, 'n a belt will last darn near forever,.....

this is the day I sold that boat in 2016 (25 yrs old not a lick of rust on the pulleys ... easier in freshwater.