Serpentine belt replacement 5.7 Merc Horizon

[stavidlin]

One of the design flaws of the 250 FV is the engine compartment not being large enough for the engine.  I have the 5.7 Horizon and the front of the engine extends past the front part of the engine compartment making it impossible to work on the front of the motor without pulling the engine.  To replace the impeller, the mechanic had to pull the engine. Now i have to replace the serpentine belt and pulleys and am faced with the problem of having to work in limited space to get to the pulleys and belt.  Anyone have any solutions?  Do i have to take it to the mechanic to pull the engine every time i need something done to the front of the motor?

[alswagg]

The belt can be changed on a Horizon version, but not as easily.  Easier than the belt on your car I bet.  should be less than .5 hr  Now the sea water pump is another story   But you already know that.   Al

[stavidlin]

Looks like the coolant reservoir is right on top of the front of the engine.  If it wasn't there, I might be able to access the front of the engine a bit easier, but it still takes up every bit of available space in the engine compartment.  My mechanic said he recommends cutting a hatch in the aft cabin so the front of the engine can be accessed without having to pull the engine but I'm hesitant doing that.  What to do? 

[alswagg]

That is pretty bold.   Your mechanic must not be very used to smaller cruisers.  The aft wall is also the deck support.  I would not recommend this move.  Al