Jim_H

I am driving from Houston to Portland on a newly installed t-belt, about 2400 miles. I don't want to be afraid to let it run when given the chance but am worried about not re-tensioning for that long. Should I be?

GlenL

Run around for 50 or 100 miles and then re-tension it. You'll be fine.

There's been some speculation that belts aren't stretching much. I know mine didn't. Only done one, so the statistical value is slight. I think that biggest risk is not getting it right the first time.

Simon Jester

I changed mine on my '79 last winter.

I drove it about 800 miles and checked the tension and it was still O.k. At about 1200 miles I checked it again and it had crept right up to the limit. I gave it a bit of tension and it's been in the same place since then.

I have the little handy tool and check it at my oil change interval. It's been worth it for the peace of mind, but I'm getting to the point where I trust it'll be O.k to check only once in a while.

Steve_C

You should personally inspect the belt installation and sprockets for wear prior to installation of the covers or get a picture. You should witness the tensioning. Otherwise if a reputable shop does the install and tension no problems should occur in 2400 miles. If the tension light comes on take it easy until you get home and can do an inspection and re-tension. IMHO it should be impossible to waste a belt form new in 2400 miles.

Big Dave

Mine was loose enough to cause a warning after 2,500. Check it now.

ViribusUnits

I drove 4,000 miles before I retensioned mine.

It was WAY loose when I did tension it. Several turns of the screw.

Since then, about 17,000 miles later, I haven't lost any tension what so ever, so take it for what you will.

Donald

Last belt I went approx. 5k before retensioning and was not out of the acceptable limit.

Ron_H

If you are going through Reno, stop at SportHaus. They have a 928 tech there that did my re-tension for about $130 and while I waited. My light came on about 100 miles out of San Francisco on my way to Boise. I stopped in Reno and also got some good advice about Smokey's habits. Nice people.

PorKen

I check mine all the time...

Porsche930

Hi Jim,
On my 88S4, I had the timing belt re-tensioned at a little after 2,200 miles since water pump and t-belt replacement. The tension was within the "low" acceptable range. I recall it was something like a reading of 3.0 verses 5.2 (when it was after re-tensioned). Ditto to Steve_C's response as well. Enjoy the trip!

Jerry 87 928S4

About the same as Tony, I retensioned mine at 2500 miles with no issues. We initially set it a little tight; something just under 6 ( I didnt want to see that light come on ). When it was rechecked it was around 4.5 so we set it back to about 5.2.

T_MaX

With the Aftermarket Tension tool and a few other tools, you could do it at a rest stop or hotel parking lot in a 20-30 minutes.




928 Intl. (the Kemp tool)


Donald if you could go that long before it needed to be retensioned, I can't help but wander if it was not overtighted when the belt job was done.

I would check the pulleys for wear on the next belt change.

Jim_H

Thanks for all the input everyone! I talked to achille @ Kobe Motors today and he said he would set it a bit tight (5) and that would get me home no problem. He said the book says 4.5 ? I asked about going to 5.5 and he was not willing to do that.
Thanks again eveyone.

T_MaX

A setting of 5 should do it, 5.5 maybe in his opinion to be on the edge. Too tight and you run the risk of premature belt failure and/or excessive wear to the cam and oil pump pulleys.

It's nice to know that Achille is not a "Yes Man" and will stand firm on his opinion!

Jerry 87 928S4

The book says 5.0 +.3 which is why mine was set to just under 6 intially and 5.2 upon retensioning. I think in another publication it indicates 5.0 +/- .3.