Oldanuff

I need the voice of experience here. I got a screamin' deal on an '83 944 because the water pump was bad. This is my first Porsche. The car came with a new water pump.... I just have to install it. Because the old one was frozen, the cam timing belt was pretty trashed, and the balance shaft belt had loosened up. The engine didn't jump time, but I have to replace the belts. My manual refers to a special Porsche tool to tension them properly.... not readily available. Anybody got a shadetree mechanic type tensioning trick that will let me get it running without worrying about trashing the engine?

Oldanuff

I got a satisfactory answer by doing a little research, and thought I'd pass it on to anyone else without unlimited bucks for German mechanics. Napa Auto parts sells a belt tensioning tool (Part # NBHKR1) called the Kricit for $10.10 that will, according to at least three different on-line articles I read, work just as well as the $700.00 Porsche tool (Porsche Part # 9201). On-line tutorials on its usage can be found easily enough, with a good one at:
http://www.rennbay.com/belttutorial.html

Techno Duck

Hey, good to see you found the answer to your question.

Here is another alternative to the 9201 tool and the Kricket gauge,

http://www.arnnworx.com/

Just throwing it out there.

hosrom_951

Just take you're time and follow the steps is the best advice you'd get.

How are the front seals? $30 or so get's you a full set of seals to do the front end since you're changing the waterpump. Also, don't forget the thermostate, get a NEW one.

Oldanuff

A couple of very helpful hints and links! I really liked the arnworx site... especially the "projects" section.