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General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: chrisfranklin on June 25, 2011, 03:09:37 AM

Title: Drive belt tension tester
Post by: chrisfranklin on June 25, 2011, 03:09:37 AM

Have a new alternator and drive belt I want to get in.   Personally, wanted to get the tension right on the new drive belt and not take chances that I've overdone it and am maybe harming the bearings on anything running off the belt.  Do you guys recommend or have used a brand of belt tension tester that worked?  Do you even use one if/when you're changing a belt? 

Title: Re: Drive belt tension tester
Post by: Dylan on June 25, 2011, 09:27:45 AM

I've never owned nor used a belt tension tester, firm thumb pressure in the middle of the long run of the belt should deflect it about 1/2-3/4".  This method has worked for serpentines and v-belts, never ran hot or had accessory bearings wear out on me.

Title: Re: Drive belt tension tester
Post by: Jeffy on June 25, 2011, 03:55:28 PM

1" deflection on the widest gap between two pulleys is a good rule of thumb.  If it squeaks then tighten it till it stops.

Otherwise you'll have to rent/buy a tension gauge which no one really uses.

Title: Re: Drive belt tension tester
Post by: chrisfranklin on June 30, 2011, 07:47:33 PM

I ordered one of these Krikit jobs mostly because it was rated 100-300 lbs http://www.amazon.com/Gates-91132-Belt-Tension-Tester/dp/B000CRDLZM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1309484716&sr=8-2 (http://www.amazon.com/Gates-91132-Belt-Tension-Tester/dp/B000CRDLZM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1309484716&sr=8-2).  Not sure if the people who didn't like it on Amazon knew how to use it correctly or what.