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Mechanic noticed some squeaking when they looked over the used 2011 242 we recently purchased. Said it was likely idler pulley or needs a belt. I like the idea of replacing that belt proactively before it goes bad out on the water.

Are these standard size parts or where is the best place to order them? We have the 8.1 GXi motor. I’ve never replaced a belt or pulley but it looks pretty straightforward!

Must one buy a merc or vp belt when changing? Or can a standard automotive belt work

Minisoda wrote: Sat Apr 06, 2019 9:07 am Mechanic noticed some squeaking when they looked over the used 2011 242 we recently purchased. Said it was likely idler pulley or needs a belt. I like the idea of replacing that belt proactively before it goes bad out on the water.

Are these standard size parts or where is the best place to order them? We have the 8.1 GXi motor. I’ve never replaced a belt or pulley but it looks pretty straightforward!

http://www.volvopentastore.com/Serpenti ... _id.791367

ajcampen wrote: Sat Apr 06, 2019 11:44 am Must one buy a merc or vp belt when changing? Or can a standard automotive belt work

No don't use just a auto belt. Get the correct one. The guy that bought my 222 did that and did not work out so well.

Big Block Power wrote: Sat Apr 06, 2019 3:35 pm

ajcampen wrote: Sat Apr 06, 2019 11:44 am Must one buy a merc or vp belt when changing? Or can a standard automotive belt work

No don't use just a auto belt. Get the correct one. The guy that bought my 222 did that and did not work out so well.

Do tell, what happened

ajcampen wrote: Sat Apr 06, 2019 4:33 pm

Big Block Power wrote: Sat Apr 06, 2019 3:35 pm

ajcampen wrote: Sat Apr 06, 2019 11:44 am Must one buy a merc or vp belt when changing? Or can a standard automotive belt work

No don't use just a auto belt. Get the correct one. The guy that bought my 222 did that and did not work out so well.

Do tell, what happened

Not much just the marine set up Is diff. The pulleys are in diff places then the same car engine and diff size pulleys. Don't just go off the length of the belt. It just wouldn't get tight and properly fit and squealed worse. He got the factory one and all good.

Ok, I think I found the correct belt... in that diagram above, there isn’t a pulley listed as idler pulley. Is part number 12 the idler pulley?

Thanks!

Minisoda wrote: Sun Apr 07, 2019 10:16 am Ok, I think I found the correct belt... in that diagram above, there isn’t a pulley listed as idler pulley. Is part number 12 the idler pulley?

Thanks!

#10 is the tensioner pulley
#12 is the idler pulley

What exact engine code do you have mine is a 8.1 gxi-b. They don't give those pullies away do they.

If you look close on the pulley it will likely have a GM part number stamped in it. Look it up on google. I got mine for $54.00 delivered.

pcarp wrote: Thu May 09, 2019 7:30 pm If you look close on the pulley it will likely have a GM part number stamped in it. Look it up on google. I got mine for $54.00 delivered.

Good point.

Got a belt issue and rather than start a bed tread I figure i’d Just “belt-on” to this one.

I recently had my water pump changed ouch! Memorial Day Weekend was the first chance I had to take the boat out after the work. Been spending time out of the country for work. About to lose some more lake time to Korea. Anyway. M.y mechanic is good and has worked on VP for decades. So the issue is I was driving along and noticed the steer got tight. I had to man ha dale the wheel to turn. My initial thought was “great guess. I need a new power steering pump”. Well after finding a safe place to anchor and check the motor I instantly found the problem. The belt was off. By the way having a belt tensioning pulley is the bomb ! So thanks the the Harbor Freight Tool box of tools (picked them up for about $5 with coupons) I was able to fix the problem. So I thought. The belt came off 5 more time over the weekend. I got pretty good at not only detecting when it occurred but putting back on. It was if I was a one man pit crew at the Indy 500.
Naturally I returned the boat to my mechanic and told him to fix it. The only extra info I had was it seemed to throw around 3000 RPMs. Well, he has looked at it, checked it and talks to VP. We have no definitive cause nor was he able to duplicate the problem in his water tank.
Result. We are going to start with a new belt and hope it fixes the problem for the Fourth of July weekend.

So my question is has anyone ever experienced anything like this? Any suggestions for fixing the issue?
Motor is a VP 5.0 GXi 2007 year in a 212

Serpentine belts systems require proper tension and pulley alignment .

I would think your mechanic has insured pulley alignment and the new tensioner are all to spec.

A belt that is stretched by just 1/2 inch will create low tension flutter off the pulleys and eventually find a way to move one grove . Instant belt flying off.
You’ll know you have the correct belt as tensioners have markings to ensure proper load , and to indicate that you have the correct length belt.
New ( O.E ) belt the “ right length “.( not just close ) and you should be fine.

All I have to say is make sure he used the factory Volvo belt. The guy that bought my 222 had the same issue with a non oem belt.

Thanks Matt & BB. Yes my mechanic has checked the pulley alignment and tension. He is VP certified and only uses VP certified parts. Even though the belt is still in great shape and shows no signs of stretch or wear we are going with a new one. I’ll let everyone know after the Fourth how it does. Hopefully it solves my problem. Meantime if anyone else thinks of anything else, please comment.