I lowered the pulley - belt came off with ease - now its impossible to get back on - appreciate the help sir!

You may just need an extra set of hands to hold it all in place while the belt gets square onto the pulleys.

BUP - I truly appreciate all your help the last few days !!

Is strange, 0nly a tad bit smaller than the original one - I have it one just about perfect, it's aligned everywhere just won't get on that pulley, it adjusted all the way down - im not sure that I could run it any other way - going to take another run at it tomorrow - if doesnt fit I'll just get one a bit bigger ! There is plenty of adjustment too. On the pulley !

Thanks again!

If you would like you can bring it to my house tomorrow. I will be working on boats all day anyways. I am in Arlington. SW.

Take a string or some tie wraps and tie the belt at a starting point on a pulley so you can then go around the other pulleys without your starting point falling off plus keeping it square on the pulley(s). I do this on the 496 since the belt is so long and can install it within two minutes. Without the belt being tied to a starting point pulley it comes off wasting my time and or does not stay square on them.

If still not right for you installing the belt, let me know if you are coming my way. I don't know who has more post in this thread me or you.

Haha- its a close call on post count - tomorrow will be tough - appreciate the offer! If I can't get it I might take you up on that next week, I leave for a hunt tomorrow afternoon.... . It's just frustrating, never fought a belt before, pretty straight forward ! I noticed the other day my outdrive as some play in it not sure if it's the oin or the gamble - either way that's another thing I'm going to sve to tackle, along with hydraulic steering !!

Well I exchanged the belt for the next size up - took all of 2minutes to put on and another minute it put blower belt on!

Once again, thanks for all the help and quick responses, hopefully no more help needed for awhile !