How to Replace the Alternator Belt on a Merc Cruiser

[carsrepair]

The alternator belt on the MercCruiser boat engine controls the alternator by turning around the alternator pulley. The belt is routed around the alternator pulley and the crankshaft pulley. When the MercCruiser is running, the crankshaft will drive the belt around the alternator pulley. This process will enable the alternator the ability to function. Replace the belt if it becomes excessively cracked or cut anywhere on the belt. If the belt breaks while the 1.
Step 1

Locate the alternator on the side of the MercCruiser engine. The alternator has a slide bracket in the front that the alternator belt is tensioned by. Loosen the lock nut on the front of the slide bracket with the ratchet and a socket.
2.
Step 2

Loosen the alternator mounting bolt with the ratchet and socket. The mounting bolt is the bolt that connects the alternator to the alternator bracket. Turn the bolt counter clockwise to loosen.
3.
Step 3

Position the pry bar on the side of the alternator and pry downward on the alternator. This process will cause the alternator to slide inside of the slide bracket, which will cause the belt to loosen.
4.
Step 4

Pull the alternator belt out of the pulleys and out of the engine area.
5.
Step 5

Route the new belt onto the pulleys. Then, pry the alternator upward with the pry bar. While holding the alternator upward with the pry bar, tighten the alternator mounting bolt with your other hand. Then release the pry bar and remove it from the engine area.
6.
Step 6

Check the tension of the new belt. A properly tensioned belt will only have about a half-inch of slack. If there is more than a half-inch of slack in the belt, loosen the mounting bolt and pry the alternator upward until the belt has no more than a half-inch of slack in the belt.
7.
Step 7

Tighten the lock nut on the slide bracket tight with the ratchet and socket. Inspect the belt and make sure it is properly seated inside the pulleys.
8.
Step 8

Crank the MercCruiser and let the engine run for about fifteen seconds. Then, turn the engine off and recheck the tension of the belt.