H2

The Kempf gauge for checking the cam belt tension is so wonderful (once you calibrate it so you KNOW you're getting a good reading and your are consistent in your utilization). It's SOOOOO much easier to use than the P9201. I just checked my tension yesterday and the Kempf was a breeze. You only have to remove one TB cover to use it. I could not get consistent readings with the P9201 with only one cover removed. Thanks, Jay, for making our lives easier!

Harvey

the flyin' scotsman

Harvey, never having used the Porsche tool I do agree that the Kempf tool to be easy to use in verifying the belt tension. Take the TB cover off, align the marks, check tension, make any changes if necessary and button her back up.

Where did you get the calibration details? there are none on my instructions.

airosey

It was very ironic at SITM when me and a few guys were checking the tension on my belt (it was way loose). I pulled out the kempf tool and looked over and there was Jay Kempf standing right there. I felt as though I was in the presence of greatness. I don't remember if I thanked him for such a great tool. So Jay, Thanks! Just thought I would share.

Chris

ceedee

how much is that tool? got a pic of it?

H2

The Kempf tool cost me about $60 from 928 International I think. Worth every penny. Jay can correct me but I remember the tool being originally designed for a 16V engine...but it works on my 32V '85S, however, the "middle of the window" setting is too low for my car. I personally "calibrated" my particular Kempf tool by spending a couple of tedious hours comparing settings from the cantankerous but more precise P9201 tool and the not-cantankerous Kempf tool..then marking 5.0 setting on the Kempf tool (for me, it was just barely beyond the window slightly). But I think one might be safe hitting the high side of the window but I assume no liability. That's just what works for me in my comparison. I think a few others have the same experience. I also checked my tool against two other P9201 tools just to be sure (all with 4.0 calibration bars). I think Jay's quality control is great and the track record of the tool is excellent. For me, the middle of the Kempf window was more like a 3.5-3.8 setting on my tool. Probably OK but I wanted it to be near perfect. Also, depending on the way the tool is used, you can also get some varying readings on the Kempf unit. Consistency is important. Also, rotating the engine to proper settings to take new calibrations to verify final setting is important also since one or so belt flexes checking things can change the setting a bit....but once you get it down, it goes fast. I'm totally satisfied. People who say they check the belt by "hand feel" or "sound" ....uh...well...I won't comment...except to say that they ought to go buy a lottery ticket. $60 for a Kempf tool is way better...and you can always sell it later if you sell your car. If you don't get some kind of reliable tool, you may be selling your car sooner than you plan...or rebuilding the heads.

BTW, Porsche originally make a tool not too dissimilar to the Kempf tool. It's shown in the Workshop Manual. Does anone have one of these originals?

Harvey

WallyP

The tool is normally available from either 928 International or 928 Specialists. (And perhaps other sources, but these two I am sure of...)

mark kibort

Here is a way to do 1000mile checks. not that accurate for the initial setting, but once you do have the intial setting, you use a back side of a drill bit or allen wrench, and press in firmly with finger pressure. it only goes so far up this way, and you can see how it matches up to a mark. later, push in and see if it is the same tension. we calibrated this technique with the Kempf and porsche tool. when it was near 4.0 vs the recomended setting of 5.0, there was quite a bit of difference on the position.

all you need to do is drill a small hole at the same point where it will allow access to the belt at the point of measurement.

MK

dr bob

Mark--

My AC compressor lives right about where your fiingers are.