Mercury MerCruiser Owner's Manual page 110

Section 5 - Maintenance
The belt tensioner is designed to operate within the limits of arm movement provided by
the cast stops when the belt length and geometry are correct.
If the tensioner is contacting either of the limits during operation, check the mounting
brackets and the belt length. Loose brackets, bracket failure, accessory drive component
movement, incorrect belt length, or belt failure can cause the tensioner to contact the limits.
See your authorized MerCruiser dealer for service if these conditions exist.
Rapid release of the belt tensioner, or allowing the tensioner to snap back quickly, could
cause injury or product damage. Relieve the spring tension slowly.
1. Use a breaker bar and appropriate socket to hold back the tensioner and relieve the
belt tension. Rotate the tensioner away from belt until it stops. Remove the belt from
the idler pulley and slowly relieve the tension on the breaker bar.
Breaker bar with arrow in direction of movement to relieve tension
2. Remove the belt and reroute the replacement belt according to the belt routing diagram.
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a - Breaker bar
CAUTION
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90-899883295 JUNE 2008