tension on drivebelts

Mar 03, 2004 1 Replies

Does anyone use the Burroughs or Nippondenso tensioners or do you just tighten it up good and don't worry about what the exact tension is?



Do you have a good rule of thumb for how many inches you can deflect the belt per 12 inch length or whatever? I'd like to hear it.



I don't have one of those tensioners, are they a good investment?


I'm trying to solve the same problem on a Mitsubishi. I've been told that it should be possible to deflect the belt about 1/4" in the center of its run with finger pressure. A service manual for a 1986-1989 Honda Accord says to apply 22 pounds of pressure and:

The short span alternator belt should deflect 4-6 mm new belt, 6-9 mm old belt.

The AC belt should deflect 10-12 mm. This is a medium span.

The power steering belt should deflect 14-17 mm. This is a long span.

Is it luck or what, I don't remember ever changing my alternator/water-pump belt on my 15 year old Honda.

Tibur

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