Westerbeke 3.5 sbcg. Drive belt

[Jcat2010]

Well, it finally happened. Many say the drive belt will only make 100 hrs before failure, and I adjust mine religiously. So.. I made it to 115 hrs. Failed neatly, no shredding. I'll update on how the replacement goes. Won't be until later this year, weather has cooled so it's not critical.

 

[sfladgard]

Changed my belt at 150 hours even though it looked ok. When I did change it I found it easier (4 bolts and 2 hose clamps) to roll the whole genset on it's side for r&r of the belt. Plan on changing the oil at the same time as gas can migrate into oil if left on it's side too long.

I did adjust the original belt twice with the gen in position but it is a pita.

 

[Jcat2010]

When you say rolled on its side, please elaborate. In my r27 the generator is to port, with the exhaust u to starboard. I plan to lift the aft side after removing the muffler and loosening the aft motor mount. Whoever thought putting a very expensive lawn mower belt under a genset in a boat should be banned from ever setting foot on another boat.

 

[sfladgard]

I should have said rolled forward; my gen sits athwartship and I slid it aft enough to get it mostly on it's forward side when rolled (about 45 degrees).

Agreed on the design drawback, I believe a sound flogging is in order.