So, along with the gear shift issue, the alternator belt is on its last legs, as it's getting super dusty when running (despite being tensioned correctly), which I understand is a sign that it is slowly but surely eating itself to pieces. I know it's at least 3 years old, and according to the boat's service history, it could be as old as 10 years... so probably wants replaced asap as a preventative measure. I was actually going to replace it in the winter, so I have the correct sized belt already. The problem that I encountered (which stopped me from doing the job this winter) is that I simply cannot get the old belt off/new belt on.
I get the bit about supporting the engine and removing the engine mount spacer block that passes through the loop of the belt. No problems here.
It's the idler/block circulation pump's pulley (see the picture below) that gets in the way. I have about 2-3mm of space between the lip of the pulley and the top of the main engine mount's stud (the bit you use for height adjusting the forward end of the engine). I need to get that pulley off the block circulation pump so I can change the belt but can't!
I've read it should just be a close fit, so should come off as soon as you remove the 4 bolts, but it will not come off! It must be rusted on I guess? Questions:
1. Am I wrong about it being rusted on, and is it on a taper of some kind instead?
2. Is the round lump in the centre of the pulley a spigot over which a hole in the pulley sits? Or is it part of the pulley? (I can't tell, because some helpful person has spray painted it for some reason!!!!!)
3. If the pulley's lump is a spigot, can I use a puller of some description to force it off? What is the best type of puller to use so as not to mess up the pulley itself?
4. Am I missing something?
Ugh... another job that should take 10 minutes that's actually going to take hours!!!! Ahh the joys of boating
As usual.. thanks in advance!!