worf928

More-or-less yes. If you check the belt this weekend and the tension is exactly or very-close to where you set it when you put the new belt on then you will need to check again in ~1000 miles; it hasn't run-in yet.

If it needs a non-trivial tension change then it has run-in. At that point check it at a more-normal interval: after 6 months or a couple 1000 miles (depends upon use), or whenever you are "in there", etc. After the first 'stretch' the belt should not require a tension change again. On the second check if it does then either a) it wasn't fully run-in or b) something's not right. That's why I recommend a double-check.

Remember though that the point of the 'check' is not only tension. It is to make sure that the health of the system is fine. Is the belt tracking where you left it? Is the gear wear the same? Is there any belt dust on the inside of the covers? Is the main roller centered on the belt? Is the idler roller still nice and shiny or is it turning black? Is the water pump pulley where it should be?

skpyle

M.Requin: Having a tough time finding a copy of John Kelly's guide. Still looking...



worf928: That makes sense, thank you! Much like what I deal with at work, I have to remember it is all a system. Very good advice.


Seth K. Pyle