Dumb question: What's the correct AC belt tension?
08-01-2008, 01:58 AM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Dumb question: What's the correct AC belt tension?
I don't have one of those fancy Kriket belt tension measurement devices, but I've never had a problem setting the v-belt tension in my previous 911's, including my 993. I just changed the AC belt, though, and am not sure how tight it should be set.
Is there a shadetree mechanic means of accurately setting the tension on this highly non-critical (except in August in Washington DC) part?
(Much to my surprise, I think I might be breaking new ground in the forum -- I couldn't find anything in the archives on the subject.)
Is there a shadetree mechanic means of accurately setting the tension on this highly non-critical (except in August in Washington DC) part?
(Much to my surprise, I think I might be breaking new ground in the forum -- I couldn't find anything in the archives on the subject.)
08-01-2008, 03:03 AM
#2
Rennlist Member
You will be surprised how way far your settings are from the recommended measures.
There are totally different measures for old belts-cold, old belts hot
New belts cold, or hot.
For the complete scales, check the workshop manual.
If my memory is good, the A/C belt tension is the same as the other two...
One thing to consider, when tightening the A/C compressor, make sure the belt is driven parallel with the other belts. (because the compressor could slightly be offset backwards thus twisting the A/C belt a bit. Not a major harm, but wears the belt relatively fast.
08-01-2008, 08:13 AM
#4
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Thread Starter
Yeah, yeah, I'll get the damned Kriket...you people are perfectionists...what if I don't *want* to do it by the book, anyone ever thought of that? What if I don't *want* to be like everyone else? 
08-01-2008, 08:25 AM
#5
Seared
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Noah,
I tried using a friend's Krikit and found it to be a complete pain in the ***. In the end, I adjusted my new belts as I always have - by pressing in the center and noting a decent amount of deflection (~ 1/2" or so). I would rather have the belts a bit too loose than too tight - as this only adds to bearing wear.
Andreas
I tried using a friend's Krikit and found it to be a complete pain in the ***. In the end, I adjusted my new belts as I always have - by pressing in the center and noting a decent amount of deflection (~ 1/2" or so). I would rather have the belts a bit too loose than too tight - as this only adds to bearing wear.
Andreas
08-01-2008, 09:02 AM
#6
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Thanks Andreas, I think that's what I'm going to do. Using the Google, I found out there's no Napa near DC, and I couldn't find any evidence of any of the local stores carrying any fancy belt tensioner gauges. So I'm going to adjust it for 1/2" of deflection in the middle. I'm sorry for going soft and caving in in post #4, I won't let it happen again.
