Nelson - When you look at the belt look for:
- tension - should deflect about 3/4 inch in the middle with light thumb pressure
- Belt Dust - Look around the engine area and on the engine covers. If you see splattered black "dust" this it the results of the belt slipping and shedding
- Belt width - compare the width of the belt with the width of the pulley. As the belt wears it gets thinner and we be noticably thinner than the pulley
- Glaze - the slipping will heat up the belt and the "sides" of the belt will look extremely smooth (glazed) if you belt is at this point change it. It won't grip properly on the pulley any longer under load.
- Cracks - If the inside diameter of the belt has any cracks replace it
If it never slipped before and has started slipping now it is probably time to replace.
If it has been slipping for a few weeks it is probably shot
Before you go to the
boat, buy one. Then you can change it if it needs changing and be done. If not, you have a spare.
Changing it is usually a one wrench, one "pry" bar operation. Very easy to do.
If you do change it. Check it a couple of weeks later and tighten after initial stretch.