Before my trip, I changed both of my engine belts. It was the first time I had ever done it, and maybe that caused this issue now. It is hard to see the small belt as it goes over the pulleys hidden behind other parts. Whoever is supposed to be inspecting the belts (me) has not been doing a very good job. Just because the major belt looks good is no guarantee the smaller, more hidden belt is in the same shape. So this is what happened recently ...

When I started the engine to charge my batteries during my race, no cooling exhaust water came out. I revved engine to get it going. The next day, starting home, no exhaust water again. I had to restart the engine to get it flowing. At least I was checking for water flow every time I ran the engine.

So there are two engine belts - one still in great shape, and this one shot, with many cracks and pieces coming off the inside of the belt and falling into the bilge. See top of belt where it is thin.

It is an ordeal to get to the smaller belt. Getting the big belt off was the biggest obstacle. I just about had to remove the alternator. Getting the two top bolts back on the alternator with the belt on was extremely difficult. Maybe I should have watched the YouTube video again for the part where he removed the belt ... he got the belt off easily. I blame two things for my troubles: the video wasn’t in English, and his Yanmar 3YM30 was on a nicer boat. 😉