New t-belt tension gauge... thoughts? (no 56k)
10-07-2004, 09:37 PM
#1
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New t-belt tension gauge... thoughts? (no 56k)
I snagged this tool for $14.50 (about 20 with shipping). Here is the eBay link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33625. I was curious as to the community’s thoughts on this gauge. I will post up what I think:
Pro-
German made
Has a numerical scale with a dial unlike the ‘click’ and guess with the cricket
Construction quality seems very high
Cost compared to the p9201
Con-
I can’t find much info online about the tool
The scale is not as detailed as the p9201 but it is marked in .5 increments making it easy to get within the tolerance range.
The only thing that bothers me is that the scale is not defined (just a number value) but as far as I can tell the p9201 is the same way (the values given in the service manual have no scale like kg/cm etc…). This tool is of German origin so I am hoping that it is standardized. I am convinced there are better alternatives out there than a $500 factory tool and a $15 home air conditioning belt gauge. Hopefully this is the happy median. On a side note if anyone has a p9201 in town and would be willing to do a head to head comparison it would be more than happy to provide that info to the community. I plan on testing this against the cricket while I’m in there. Your thoughts?
10-07-2004, 10:46 PM
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Interesting.... I'm tempted to get it just to do a comparison test with my P9201.... If it works I'd better sell my P9201 for $$$ before everyone realizes there a good alternative!
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10-07-2004, 11:16 PM
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Looks nice! Now you need to get hold of the "tool" so you can calibrate the new one to it. Or you could get the thin metal bar that you put into the tool to set the guage. If you had that bar, and could figure out where you need to be on yours. BTW any chance to find others??
Cheers,
Cheers,
Last edited by Riff; 10-08-2004 at 12:59 AM.
10-08-2004, 12:26 AM
#9
Three Wheelin'
That is an excellent find! I emailed the seller to ask if he had more.
There is a calibration bar with P9201 that could be used to compare readings. If the seller has more I will send one to a guy with a P9201 to get a comparison.
There is a calibration bar with P9201 that could be used to compare readings. If the seller has more I will send one to a guy with a P9201 to get a comparison.
10-08-2004, 01:00 AM
#11
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Originally Posted by faithless
Maybe you should try brining it to the dealership/specialty shop and asking a mechanic if he knows anything.
10-08-2004, 01:37 AM
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I was thinking of getting the calibration bar and see what reading this tool shows with it. I looked at the Kent Moore gauges but I really don’t think there is room because you have to get to the top of the belt (belt covers in the way but I’m not 100% sure). I am planning on testing it out this weekend if I can find some time. I am also interested to see if it works on the balance shaft belts or not. Also the ac/alt belt even though it is less of a concern. Here are the part numbers found on the instruction manual: 21-113 581 ZA/E 1020 0417 3790 KZ (found on tool also). For the brand it says SPX in large font with Lowener OTC Tool GMBH below it.
10-08-2004, 03:43 AM
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I can't find another source -- even looked at the SPX/OTC website. Anyone have any luck? I'd really love to test it out against my P9201.
10-08-2004, 05:01 AM
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Defintely give us some data when you can, it'd be great to see how well the P9201 stacks up. In the meantime, I will observe before buying anything. Thanks for the heads up.