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Hi guys,
I just bought a new tool “Krikit II V-belt tension gauge” from Amazon and I tried to measure the tension for the alternator belt.
I have a Honda accord 1998 LX 2.3 liters engine. there is not a spring loaded tensioner for this car, the only way is to do it through the tensioner bolt and the problem is that I don’t know how much tension to put on the belt. The service manual says that the tension for used belt should be between 110 lb and 130 lb. I adjusted the belt for 100 lb but the belt is very tight I am afraid. The measurement was made on the belt between the AC pulley and alternator pulley, in the middle as indicated in the service manual.
I don’t know if this gauge is properly calibrated, it does not say where is made, probably China, I don’t trust products made in China.
Please see the video on youtube for more info about this new(for me) tension gauge at the link below:Could you indicate me a good practical how to adjust the alternator belt tension?
I would really appreciate your opinion.
Thank you very much in advance,
Sorin
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Replies
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The rule of thumb without going high tech is to take a thumb and forefinger and grasp the belt in the longest part of the belt between pulleys and rotate the belt 90 degrees with the tips of the thumb and forefinger. If it takes a firm twist to do this the tension should be about right.
I’ve always heard the belt should deflect an inch for every foot of length. So if the longest length is six inches it should deflect half an inch and so on.
I used to own a DSM. I was always having problems getting the belts to be quiet, especially the power steering belt. Also, I tend to worry about the bearings. Finally I went back to the dealer and found a new DSM on the showroom floor. The belts were about twice as tight as I had them.
What; I thought my thumb was calibrated. I’ve been told that on a smaller engine 1/4″ is what you should have, or be able to turn the belt no more than 90 degrees.
I used 90 degrees method, the alternator belt seems to have pretty much same tension like before I changed the timing belt.
I drove the car about 160 miles, I stopped few times the alternator pulley was not hot just little bit warm, I did not hear any squeak, seems good.
How about this krikit device? Anybody used it?
Thanks a lot,
I really appreciate.
Sorin
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