belt problems, PLEASE HELP

[BlakeB]

Been having problems lately with the belt on my 5.7L 350 V8 in my 01 Santera, it is making a squeaking noise and upon visual inspection it does appear to be loose. My questions are these, how hard is it to tighten, is it worth changing out the belt and if so does anyone know a part number, the belt is stamped 7611FFW2 but I can't find that number on any parts website, is there an auto belt equivalent? Thanks.

[michael hunter]

Is it a V belt or Serpentine?

[wotan2525]

Been having problems lately with the belt on my 5.7L 350 V8 in my 01 Santera, it is making a squeaking noise and upon visual inspection it does appear to be loose. My questions are these, how hard is it to tighten, is it worth changing out the belt and if so does anyone know a part number, the belt is stamped 7611FFW2 but I can't find that number on any parts website, is there an auto belt equivalent? Thanks.

If the belt looks worn, take it up to NAPA and have them match it. If it looks fine but just loose, there is a way to tension it depending on whether it's v-belts or a serpentine belt. If you're not sure, post up some photos and we can help.

[BlakeB]

1086110862108631086410865

It is a V Belt, Photo of engine alone is from last year when I rebuilt a piston with a mechanic friend. At the time of the rebuild we didn't change the belt because it looked to be in great shape. boat has seen about 70 hrs of use since then. The tension should be as simple as the two top bolts on the alternator right?

[wotan2525]

Looks like just loosen the bottom bolt on the alternator (so it can pivot) and then loosen the top bolt on the alternator, pull the alternator away from the crank and then tighten both back down.

[thegorilla]

For others' reference: wotan2525 is correct. On the Santera, you can access the alternator from the driver's side locker. I believe the bottom pivot bolt is a 1/2" head and the top is a 9/16" head. A 3/8" ratchet, 2" extension and a 3/8" to 1/4" adapter and 1/4" drive sockets were the perfect length for me to get a ratchet in between the alternator case and the engine mount.
I found that using a medium prybar helped as I could hardly get any tension with my bare hands.