Granite 944

Well, I've searched for info on archives, I know plenty of people have/or are using the Optibelt tool. I guess I'm still wondering how satisfied and comfortable people are in using this tool?
This will be the first time I've ever done a belt tension on my car. For the money, it sounds to good not to use? Can it be as reliable as the 9201? I have two engines in the garage that have grenaded due to broken belts (neglected). I don't think I want to have a third. Any long term users of this tool have input?
Just looking for that warm and fuzzy feeling.
I've purchased a '85/2 car with an ok running engine in it for cheap. I'm transplanting the engine in my early '85 to run it with until I can get the time and money to rebuilt my original engine correctly. Of course...I'm going to replace the belts on this "donor" engine.
Thanks!

jabbadeznuts

Have you done a search on the forums on this? If I remember correctly, there was a "conversion chart" some time ago to go between the 9201 and the kriket tool.

P.S.
-I LOVE your avatar <img border="0" alt="[hiha]" title="" src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" />

FRANKYDOOM1

If you find the link - please post it here - I tried the search but couldnt find it.

Frankydoom/London/82' 944 Cab

Hans

[QUOTE]Originally posted by FRANKYDOOM1:
[QB]If you find the link - please post it here - I tried the search but couldnt find it.

BUMP

Dales944

Jeez, my address bar just shows "forums.rennlist.com" instead of the actual thread link. So - search for the phrase "Need some numbers..." - that is the exact title of a thread that shows Kricket values as well as a link to the Blaszak site (which shows values for a tool other than Kricket). Both are in lbs, which is what I think the Optibelt tool measures.

pete944

35lbs. for the cam belt and 28lbs for the balance belt. I used the Kriket but the Optibelt looks identical (except for the price tag).
I'm real confident of the results. Be sure to practice with it on the old belt until you get consistent readings.

ahofam123

I used the kriket and got consistent results each time. With many of the mechanics out there tensioning the belts by hand, I see no need for the $500 9201.

phantom309

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Granite 944:
<strong> I have two engines in the garage that have grenaded due to broken belts (neglected).</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">You'd think this would be enough to convince you to use the right tool for the job.

Granite 944

Thanks for the replies! I just don't trust the "by hand" method, kricket is so cheap, I question the durability/consistancy of readings it may provide over time. The optibelt tool has been recommended by some, I see it is a "german made" tool (they make some mighty fine tools!), but I haven't heard much about this tool either.(except on Blasak's site). As far as I can tell, the optibelt tool should provide satisfactory tension results, consistanly, if used properly. Thus unless I learn otherwise from experience/or from this forum, the cost of the 9201 tool just does not justify itself for the job that is trying to be accomplished....consistant and repeatable tension readings. Is there any reason for me not to believe the above?
The other two engines grenaded due to PO's that didn't maintain their cars (belts in particular)

Thanks again!!

ahofam123

From the pictures, the optibelt and the kriket look identical. There was someone here a while back that compared the optibelt, the kriket, and the 9201. I might be mistaken but I don't think he found a big difference between the optibelt and the kriket. I've only had my kriket for about seven months so I don't know about reliability. As for consistency, I got the same reading 19 out of the 20 times that I tested it.

pete944

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by ahofam123:
<strong>From the pictures, the optibelt and the kriket look identical. There was someone here a while back that compared the optibelt, the kriket, and the 9201. I might be mistakened but I don't think he found a difference between the optibelt and the kriket.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">The only difference is the color of the plastic parts and the price.

Hawk36

Where can I get an Optibelt tool or a Kriket tool? I've searched and can't find them.

pete944

I got the Kriket at NAPA for $9.80 plus tax. Ask for the Kriket KR-1. They'll have to look it up and order it but they do have it.

ahofam123

Napa has the kriket for $10. Part Number KR1 I believe. The optibelt is available through Blasak's site.

Edit: Once again, Pete beats me. I hate Dial-up.

pete944

I'm on dial up too and it's real s-l-o-w tonite.