For a first time, you did a great job diagnosing the problem and fixing it. A good How-To Video! Don't let the naysayers bring you down. Boating like many things is often about shared tribal knowledge. New people come in and if not a mechanic already they can learn from the more experienced folks. That's what life is all about. Well done, Mr. Fix-It!
Thanks Earl. I'm just happy that the first try was the least expensive remedy ;-) I have my Westerbeke generator find it and fix it video coming out soon, so I hope to like what I learned on that one. Cheers, Paul.
You can use a small hose to find problems to like a stethoscope, Put one end in your ear the other touching parts near the noise until you touch the problem the squeal or the rattle will be signifigant, A plunger handle or broom handle works too.
Glad it turned out to be an easy fix. Amazing how the older engines have some simple fixes...if you know what to look for! 1200 hours! Wow and I thought I was up there with 850-ish on my 454's!
Closer to 1,250, if truth be told. But I'm okay with that, as those big blocks should be good for 3,000+ hours when properly maintained. And you know I'm all about maintenance 👍
@@BoatingWithBoogaboo Well then I should be good. I'm a mechanical maintenance hawk myself. I don't do as much as you, but if something needs attention on one engine, they both get it. They're great engines!
Hi Brian. Glad to have you along for the ride and following our adventuress! I do have one favour to ask of you though and that is please replace 'jealous' with 'inspired :-) The whole reason I started this channel many years ago was to share the beautiful places we visit with our fellow #boaters who had never ventured much outside of our marina to inspire them to get out and see it for themselves. Since then, the channel has grown to 10,000 Subscribers (just hit that mark last night!!) and my main focus continues to help folks loose their fears of venturing a little farther and taking advantage of this lovely area of the world we live in. As you have just found the channel, I'm gonna recommend checking out my 'Epic 2018 Boat Cruise' series (ruclips.net/p/PLKhjT5kr2l2G9YFc4WkBlJ9CzwSGp92Pf). It chronicles our four week voyage through the beautiful Trent Severn Waterway last summer and includes some pretty sweet views both from the water and above. This summer, we will be once again hitting the waves for another four week adventure, but this time we'll be visiting all new (to us) places on gorgeous Georgian Bay and I hope you'll stick around to watch that upcoming series as well. Cheers, Paul :-)
@@BoatingWithBoogaboo Thanks for the reply, I fixed the post as asked. I have an old 22 ft Silverline Cuddy we spend time on Lake Superior in. I have some drone footage on my channel if you ever have nothing else to watch
when you were tightening the belt you have to loosen the nut and then the little shaft that sticks out put a wrench on that and turn it and hold it while the idler pulley tightens up against the belt then you tighten the nut to hold it in place but you have to turn that shaft to put tension on the Belt otherwise the belts way too loose
@@BoatingWithBoogaboo I agree. I'm specifically having issues with tensioning my tensioner, it instead just wants to come off. Wish you hadn't cut that out. That detail is nowhere to be found.
Clean? I'm a little embarrassed at how dirty that still is. A long ways better than it was when we bought this #boat, but could still use some detailing...
I have a 8.1 horizon where starboard squeaks. Change with New belt, new tensioner, new main shaft pulley, water pump is new, changed idler pulley and the squeak stopped ( maybe 10 hours of engine use ( but started chirping again. How to tighten belt?
Paul. you can drive the bearing out of the center of pulley with a socket and just buy bearing at any auto parts store, and does that idler adjust by a tooth gear on back of bolt that rotates upward by turning the front side with another wrench before tightening the nut? it looked like the bolt end was hexed is why I am asking.. Thanks for the video
Yes, my one handed wrench turning didn't show the final adjustments on that belt tightening - had to put the camera down for that. That hex nut - a 5/16" socket fits brilliantly - is used to do the fine tuning on the tension, then tighten the bolt to keep in it in place. As for running into the local auto parts store to get a generic, automotive part, I'll pass. Yes, I realize that those engines are marinized GM powerplants and that there are many interchangeable parts with the car world, but if that car part fails - and you know it's gonna in the middle of a lake somewhere - there ain't no NAPA on the corner to run in to. As I always have done, I'll stick with genuine Mercury parts every time. Yes, there is a premium $$ and hefty markup, but I prefer the piece of mind knowing it was engineered by the folks who put their name on them engines. Besides, the money I save on labour far outweighs any up-charge on the parts. . .
@@BoatingWithBoogaboo Paul I love and respect your channel too much to go on, lets just say I was involved with GM and Chrysler for many years and I would buy a NAPA bearing before I would GM anytime. I would carry a spare bearing or Idler in my tool box, I hate limping around looking for parts....Again thanks for the great videos
Paul, do you know if that was the original idler pulley on that engine with 1200 hours? I'm almost to 600 on my single screw, and wondered if there is an average life expectancy on these.
With all that I've seen/replaced/serviced on those engines, I would strongly suspect that they were original. When we first got this #boat, in 2017, I replaced the engine belts and they looked like they had been put on second hand ;-) Here's my video form that, so you can see how tough they were (ruclips.net/user/edit?ar=3&o=U&video_id=LK9OvEW2OpA). Apart from that, the ignition wires were original to the build date (1997 for the engines, boat is 1998 model year), so I changed them, along with caps and rotors. And yes, ALL Mercury parts. Every time :-)
I noticed the squeak on my merc this weekend, but only when I put it in gear... would it still be the tensioner or is there another pulley? I listened/looked but couldn't decide which one it was. Thanks
Not sure. This was the easiest & least expensive thing to swap out and it worked perfectly. I subsequently dd the same on the other engine and no more annoying squeaks :-)
Didn't think that was necessary to show. Literally only a couple of seconds. Sorry, but some things I take as common knowledge that pretty much everyone could figure out... Next time, I'll show that for sure - or maybe even do a Short video to show that.
Nice work, looked like you were working with just one hand and recording with the other, quite a trick. On a slightly different topic, have you or did the previous owner replace the engine raw water pumps? I've heard they only last about 500 hrs. I suspect I have a problem with one of mine since my psi is low once the engine reaches operating temp. Thanks.
Hi Fred, Not sure if you're talking about the water circulating pumps, or seawater pumps, but the seawater impellers/housings have been changed and I have two, complete replacement kits onboard the boat, just in case. As for the in-engine water pumps (like a car engine would have) I can't tell if they've ever been touched, but would highly suspect that those ones are original to the boat.
Raw water/sea water yes. The pumps with the impellors. Seems like the housings on mine will need to be replaced too. Not looking forward to it. Thanks.
For a first time, you did a great job diagnosing the problem and fixing it. A good How-To Video! Don't let the naysayers bring you down. Boating like many things is often about shared tribal knowledge. New people come in and if not a mechanic already they can learn from the more experienced folks. That's what life is all about. Well done, Mr. Fix-It!
Thanks Earl. I'm just happy that the first try was the least expensive remedy ;-)
I have my Westerbeke generator find it and fix it video coming out soon, so I hope to like what I learned on that one.
Cheers, Paul.
Awesome video. Been looking for exactly this fix for my 7.4 with a sporadic squeaky belt at idle speeds. Thanks again!
Easy fix!...thanks for sharing.... confirms what I'm trying to do on my 5.7 Merc...idler got half stuck from rust and started smoking!!!
Yes, gotta one of the easiest projects I've done on any of our #boats! I did the second engine as well. No more squeaks :-)
You can use a small hose to find problems to like a stethoscope, Put one end in your ear the other touching parts near the noise until you touch the problem the squeal or the rattle will be signifigant, A plunger handle or broom handle works too.
Thanks for the tip!
I will add a few of these to the spare parts bin on the boat. Thanks
Yup, I'll be replacing the one on my port engine as well, this weekend 👌
Good practice is to have spare idler pulley and one belt at all
Times
Glad it turned out to be an easy fix. Amazing how the older engines have some simple fixes...if you know what to look for! 1200 hours! Wow and I thought I was up there with 850-ish on my 454's!
Closer to 1,250, if truth be told. But I'm okay with that, as those big blocks should be good for 3,000+ hours when properly maintained. And you know I'm all about maintenance 👍
@@BoatingWithBoogaboo Well then I should be good. I'm a mechanical maintenance hawk myself. I don't do as much as you, but if something needs attention on one engine, they both get it. They're great engines!
looks easy enough, good job. Rich
It was!
just found your channel! good content, makes me inspired! to be on the water more!
Hi Brian. Glad to have you along for the ride and following our adventuress!
I do have one favour to ask of you though and that is please replace 'jealous' with 'inspired :-) The whole reason I started this channel many years ago was to share the beautiful places we visit with our fellow #boaters who had never ventured much outside of our marina to inspire them to get out and see it for themselves. Since then, the channel has grown to 10,000 Subscribers (just hit that mark last night!!) and my main focus continues to help folks loose their fears of venturing a little farther and taking advantage of this lovely area of the world we live in.
As you have just found the channel, I'm gonna recommend checking out my 'Epic 2018 Boat Cruise' series (ruclips.net/p/PLKhjT5kr2l2G9YFc4WkBlJ9CzwSGp92Pf). It chronicles our four week voyage through the beautiful Trent Severn Waterway last summer and includes some pretty sweet views both from the water and above. This summer, we will be once again hitting the waves for another four week adventure, but this time we'll be visiting all new (to us) places on gorgeous Georgian Bay and I hope you'll stick around to watch that upcoming series as well.
Cheers, Paul :-)
@@BoatingWithBoogaboo Thanks for the reply, I fixed the post as asked. I have an old 22 ft Silverline Cuddy we spend time on Lake Superior in. I have some drone footage on my channel if you ever have nothing else to watch
when you were tightening the belt you have to loosen the nut and then the little shaft that sticks out put a wrench on that and turn it and hold it while the idler pulley tightens up against the belt then you tighten the nut to hold it in place but you have to turn that shaft to put tension on the Belt otherwise the belts way too loose
Ya
Thank you, first time doing something like this so I didn’t know this step.
Congrats on 10K Subscribers!
Thanks for your support, Mark!
Replace the bearing in the old one and you’ve got a good spare on hand
Ya.
Why would you skip over the tension set? Most important step..
That's too funny 😂
@@BoatingWithBoogaboo I agree. I'm specifically having issues with tensioning my tensioner, it instead just wants to come off. Wish you hadn't cut that out. That detail is nowhere to be found.
Nice video (and very clean bilge 💯🙌👍
Clean? I'm a little embarrassed at how dirty that still is. A long ways better than it was when we bought this #boat, but could still use some detailing...
@@BoatingWithBoogaboo - 😄 I just hope (once I take the plunge and get my own boat) that I can keep it as clean as yours 🤞😎
Nice job!
An easy one, with positive results. This weekend I'm swapping out the one on the port engine :-)
Thanks for the video, was it hard to pull if off? I mean after taking the belt off did it slide off easily?
you could also just push out the bearing in the middle, and replace the bearing, only about $5
Yes, or just order the complete part and call it a day ;-) Nickel and dimeing on my boat has NEVER been my approach and never will. Just sayin'
I have a 8.1 horizon where starboard squeaks. Change with New belt, new tensioner, new main shaft pulley, water pump is new, changed idler pulley and the squeak stopped ( maybe 10 hours of engine use ( but started chirping again. How to tighten belt?
Best to have your marina mechanic look at it.
Paul. you can drive the bearing out of the center of pulley with a socket and just buy bearing at any auto parts store, and does that idler adjust by a tooth gear on back of bolt that rotates upward by turning the front side with another wrench before tightening the nut? it looked like the bolt end was hexed is why I am asking.. Thanks for the video
Yes, my one handed wrench turning didn't show the final adjustments on that belt tightening - had to put the camera down for that. That hex nut - a 5/16" socket fits brilliantly - is used to do the fine tuning on the tension, then tighten the bolt to keep in it in place.
As for running into the local auto parts store to get a generic, automotive part, I'll pass. Yes, I realize that those engines are marinized GM powerplants and that there are many interchangeable parts with the car world, but if that car part fails - and you know it's gonna in the middle of a lake somewhere - there ain't no NAPA on the corner to run in to.
As I always have done, I'll stick with genuine Mercury parts every time. Yes, there is a premium $$ and hefty markup, but I prefer the piece of mind knowing it was engineered by the folks who put their name on them engines. Besides, the money I save on labour far outweighs any up-charge on the parts. . .
@@BoatingWithBoogaboo Paul I love and respect your channel too much to go on, lets just say I was involved with GM and Chrysler for many years and I would buy a NAPA bearing before I would GM anytime. I would carry a spare bearing or Idler in my tool box, I hate limping around looking for parts....Again thanks for the great videos
If the pulley was metal, you could replace just the bearing. This pulley is plastic and I believe the pulley is molded over the bearing.
Paul, do you know if that was the original idler pulley on that engine with 1200 hours? I'm almost to 600 on my single screw, and wondered if there is an average life expectancy on these.
With all that I've seen/replaced/serviced on those engines, I would strongly suspect that they were original. When we first got this #boat, in 2017, I replaced the engine belts and they looked like they had been put on second hand ;-) Here's my video form that, so you can see how tough they were (ruclips.net/user/edit?ar=3&o=U&video_id=LK9OvEW2OpA).
Apart from that, the ignition wires were original to the build date (1997 for the engines, boat is 1998 model year), so I changed them, along with caps and rotors. And yes, ALL Mercury parts. Every time :-)
You should do the other engine
Read the description ;-)
I noticed the squeak on my merc this weekend, but only when I put it in gear... would it still be the tensioner or is there another pulley? I listened/looked but couldn't decide which one it was. Thanks
Not sure. This was the easiest & least expensive thing to swap out and it worked perfectly. I subsequently dd the same on the other engine and no more annoying squeaks :-)
@@BoatingWithBoogaboo Thanks I'll start with this
Why would you edit out the tensioning part……
Didn't think that was necessary to show. Literally only a couple of seconds. Sorry, but some things I take as common knowledge that pretty much everyone could figure out...
Next time, I'll show that for sure - or maybe even do a Short video to show that.
What is the recommended belt deflection, I have seen 1/2” and 1/4”? Thanks for the great videos.
Is there a number?? I've always simply gone by feel and has worked for me so far.
I’ve heard 1/2” defection on the longest run of belt between two pulleys. What I’ve always gone off
Nice work, looked like you were working with just one hand and recording with the other, quite a trick. On a slightly different topic, have you or did the previous owner replace the engine raw water pumps? I've heard they only last about 500 hrs. I suspect I have a problem with one of mine since my psi is low once the engine reaches operating temp. Thanks.
Hi Fred,
Not sure if you're talking about the water circulating pumps, or seawater pumps, but the seawater impellers/housings have been changed and I have two, complete replacement kits onboard the boat, just in case. As for the in-engine water pumps (like a car engine would have) I can't tell if they've ever been touched, but would highly suspect that those ones are original to the boat.
Raw water/sea water yes. The pumps with the impellors. Seems like the housings on mine will need to be replaced too. Not looking forward to it. Thanks.
Don’t forget that loose ground wire in your bilge 😬
I know, I know :-( That loose ground is actually a bonding cable for the steering assembly. It's on my list. . .
Yeah, I have one also. It goes to my rudder. My excuse is I don’t have the proper big crimp tool. Hate using pliers or vice grips.
First
Nice👍😁
BTW, the channel is just about to hit the awesome 10,000 subscribers mark any minute now 😎