arnnworx tool and balance belt tension
06-16-2010, 01:30 PM
#1
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arnnworx tool and balance belt tension
I had a thread earlier about the damage on my balance belt(1/2 teeth gone on driven side) which was never resolved. I have since installed new everthing and got Arnnworx tensioning guage, which works very easy and quick. The timing belt was very close to the automatic tensioner (89) but the balance belt is very loose. I have checked the tension 3 times by the guage however it is not tight enought to remove the bow on the belt between adjoining gears. In Van's video I believe he tightened until slack was gone and belt looked straight between gears, if I do that then the tension guage reads to tight. Anybody used Arnnworx tensionng guage on balance belt and was your result??Also the balance idler roller stands proud of the belt by about 5mm- is this nornal, old one did also by looking at rubber buildup on roller.
Thanks Ron
06-16-2010, 01:32 PM
#2
Captain Obvious
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I used the "feel" method as in Van's video for the balance belt. It should almost be straight, and yet your pinky should easily pass between the belt and tensioner pulley.
As long as its not flapping or whining, you are about right.
As long as its not flapping or whining, you are about right.
06-16-2010, 01:45 PM
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For the balance belt, I start off at what feels reasonable (which is always way too tight), and then gradually slacken until it just stops whining. Then I just check with a Krikit to verify it's right (which it usually is).
06-16-2010, 01:45 PM
#4
balance belt doesn't really need tension to work. since both sides of the belt are toothed, it only needs enough tension to prevent skipping teeth and belt slap. i've actually done my balance belt tension with engine running. get it tensioned so it won't skip teeth, start engine, gradually loosen until stop whining, then check that timing is still correct.
06-16-2010, 02:24 PM
#7
Captain Obvious
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A friend of mine thought that while checking the tension of his alternator belt...while running.
He lost a good chunk of his index finger too....YIKES!
He lost a good chunk of his index finger too....YIKES!
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06-16-2010, 05:54 PM
#9
You should be able to take the belt between your index finger and thumb and twist it easly. if you can not twist it easly then its too tight. As for adjusting belts on the car while its running well I think i will stay away from that one.
06-16-2010, 07:05 PM
#10
Nordschleife Master
balance belt doesn't really need tension to work. since both sides of the belt are toothed, it only needs enough tension to prevent skipping teeth and belt slap. i've actually done my balance belt tension with engine running. get it tensioned so it won't skip teeth, start engine, gradually loosen until stop whining, then check that timing is still correct.
I have the arnnworx kit as well.... and I've never used it on the balance belt. I just adjust it until the "flop" is gone. The balance belt isn't a big deal.
06-16-2010, 08:54 PM
#12
RL Community Team
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To everyone who thinks the balance shaft belt is no big deal, not worth tensioning, or not something to worry about...
My 968 engine blew because the BS failed, and the belt pieces jammed up the timing belt. That repair was $2500 in parts and a couple of months in labor.
My 968 engine blew because the BS failed, and the belt pieces jammed up the timing belt. That repair was $2500 in parts and a couple of months in labor.
