Really tight alternaotor/belt fit on Yanmar 3JH5E - how do you fit it ?

[Boater Sam]

I found that using a loop of rag through the belt and using it to pull the belt onto the alternator pulley whilst jabbing the starter puts the belt on without damaging it as is likely with a screwdriver. The rag does no damage to the pulley and come free when it passes the pulley.
I would rather have a bit of rag flap about than a screwdriver!

 

[Wing Mark]

....
I would rather have a bit of rag flap about than a screwdriver!

I'd rather have a belt that can be quickly and safely changed in the normal way.
Of course if you fit too long a belt and use a lot of adjustment on the alternator, the alternator may hit the woodwork or something on some boats.

 

[West Coast]

RichardS is right, it is a tight fit but is doable. I had the same issue on my 4JH5E, but found with a little persuasion as RichardS describes it fits fine.

 

[Wing Mark]

But if you can buy Gates belts from BearingBoys in 25mm increments, why does it need to be difficult?
how much damage are people doing, bodging the belt onto the pulleys?

 

[ghostlymoron]

I had a Yanmar 2GM20F and don't recall a problem with changing the belts. However, changing the impeller on the water pump required unbolting the pump, twisting it round so that the Allen key bolts were visible/accessible before the impeller could be removed. Poor design in my opinion but fortunately you only have to service it once a year.