Replacing alternator(s) belts on Beta 38 hp diesel engine - 2018

Replacing alternator(s) belts on Beta Marine 38 hp diesel engine.

Beta 38 hp with two alternator belts. Want to replace them but one will not come off. Solution is to buy replacement 1\2 or larger than the one we are having problems with. 

June 2018- s\v Elegant'sea is Currently in Paradise Village Marina in Banderas Bay Mexico

July 2018- We are now Currently in Ajijic which is a town by Lake Chapala Mexico house sitting.

Adjustment room left.

The adjust arm on the one that will not come off has room for a larger belt. The engine compartment also has room. The only problem may be the throttle cable just below the belt. When the engine is running the belt clears the cable of course but not by all that much.

This is the thumb fuel pump for bleeding the engine.

As you can see it is in the way of adjusting one of the AAk Iskra Alternators.

And the flywheel.

We have two spare belts just like the ones that are on the Beta 38 hp. They were spares but it is time to put new belts on. I have read that with the belts we have it is hard to tell how much wear they have. But that that say about every 3-4 years they should be replaced. In that case ours are over due. If we use the belt we have we will need to remove the alternator and put the spare belt we have on. Then re-install the alternator. 

Here’s my take for changing the alternator belts:

One gets replaced on the right (looking at the front of the motor) port side using the new ones we have.

We keep the other new one we have as a spare. 

Cut the other belt off the starboard side (left side looking at the motor) as this saves from removing the alternator.  Then buy a slightly longer belt (2) so we have one as a spare and install that one.  Note that the belt has to clear the throttle cable, under the belt.  

Makes it easier and we still have spare belts.