[mech]

I saw a couple of posts on the krikit tensioner on 968.net, anyone use this, it looks like it will do the job vs the $500 P9201...



Thanks,

vinay

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[Greimann]

I have not used (I do the twist just past 90 deg thing) but this guy has a good write up on it. Scroll down a bit and hit the link under the krikit.

http://www.arnnworx.com/



One note on the Krikit is that you are setting the balance belt to a setting that is below the actual index marks on the tool. The tool goes from 30 to 160# and they say set it at 27. So the scale of the gauge is way too broad to be really accurate to one pound. But it is more to go on than the twist method I guess <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

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[rustech]

I've tried the kricket, and I think it's garbage. It is VERY hard to use it accurately.



I do three things to verify the tension of the balance shaft belt:

1. twist past 90.

2. measure deflection from center and from belt guide when applying moderate force.

3. listen to pitch of sound belt makes.



Bottom line, if you still want the kricket, pm me your address and you can have mine.

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[mech]

I wonder if Napa has these for rent/sale



Gates' sonic belt tension tester STT-1

http://www.gates.com/europe/index.cfm?location_id=1196



I called up one store and the guys had no idea what I was talking about...but this thing looks like it would be sweeeet.



<img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/cool.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

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[Greimann]

Once you see how loose a properly tensioned balance belt is, you will see it will make no "twang" to sonically test. Balance belts are really, really loose. Kind of freaky to an experienced wrench.

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[rustech]

[quote name='Greimann' date='Apr 15 2005, 10:12 AM']...you will see it will make no "twang" to sonically test.[/quote]



?



edit: Ok, figured it out. I'm not talking about you playing your balance belt like it's a guitar, but to operate the car and listen to the pitch of the "whine" the belt makes when it is properly tensioned.

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[NeedPorscheSpeed]

[quote name='rustech' date='Apr 15 2005, 10:49 AM']I've tried the kricket, and I think it's garbage.  It is VERY hard to use it accurately.

[right][post="3295"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]



Oh, no! Because I had been hearing such good reports from those who use it, I decided to buy one recently. I have yet to use it, but plan to during the next two weeks. Maybe with the 90 degree method, plus the Krikit, I will make out okay.

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[BruceWard]

I bought a Krikit when changing the belts and then borrowed a P9201 to retention.



Using the Krikit the balance belt was way too tight. The reading for the balance belt is below the scale on the Krikit. In my opinion the reading is simply too low for measuring with the Krikit.



Considering the potential cost of belt failure I suggest renting, borrowing or buying a P9201.

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[earossi]

[quote name='BruceWard' date='Apr 20 2005, 12:38 PM']I bought a Krikit when changing the belts and then borrowed a P9201 to retention.



Using the Krikit the balance belt was way too tight.  The reading for the balance belt is below the scale on the Krikit.  In my opinion the reading is simply too low for measuring with the Krikit.



Considering the potential cost of belt failure I suggest renting, borrowing or buying a P9201.

[right][post="3544"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]



I could be wrong, but I don't believe that a failure of the balance shaft belt will cause any engine damage. Car may experience some vibration until you replace the belt-, but no failure of critical parts. The timing belt is another thing! If that belt fails, you've just bought yourself a valve job (at a minimum) and perhaps other damage to pistons or related components. However, on the 968, the timing belt is tentioned automatically with a hydraulic tensioner (therefore, you'll never have to adjust the tension of the timing belt).

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[Greimann]

The issue is that a broken balance belt could get caught up in the timing belt and cause bad karma.

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[George]

I also have 'tried' to use one of those Krikits. It was not accurate and not reliable at all, IMHO. Like many of you, I have looked for other options, but finally broke down and bought a P9201 tool. It will pay for itself with the FIRST belt change/tension. Not cheap, but it works well and holds its value if you need to sell it. So, I agree with Rustech and Bruce Ward. After doing 10 to 20 belt changes, you can probably do it by feel, but until then, use a P9201 tool.

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[Harvey]

I use the P9201...but then again...I'm anal about my cars. I won't take any chances when dinking with the belts. Maybe an experienced mechanic can tell belt tension by feel or sound but I'm far from being that good. Bent cams, etc. are a gamble I'm trying to minimize. PS: I'm tone deaf too...I can't even play a radio well.



Harvey

Resume Speed, Idaho

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[mech]

heres another kit on ebay



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...&category=43998

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[apex]

I don't have the manual in front of me - is the 944 balance belt same as the 968? And what do you guys think of this tool - those of you with lots 'o belt experience?

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[sasilverbullet]

Hmmm, very interesting! I checked out their site. Seems to be impressive. But I'm NOT a belt changing guru!!!!

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[apex]

Neither am I ... I hope Raj can teach me how this summer in Fairfax. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/biggrin.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

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[NeedPorscheSpeed]

[quote name='sasilverbullet' date='May 9 2005, 03:59 PM']Hmmm, very interesting!  I checked out their site.  Seems to be impressive.  But I'm NOT a belt changing guru!!!!

[right][post="4516"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]



Also, I have heard nothing but good things about Bruce Arnn's customer service. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

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[sasilverbullet]

my .02 - as long as Arnn built the tools correctly, they sound good. Question is, are those charts valid for a 968?

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[james taylor]

The 90 degree rotation sounds good if someone can provide drawing and point for the check. Is this done at the longest point of the belt between pulleys?

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[sasilverbullet]

If you go to www.arnnworx.com and read the detail about the tool I think that will answer your question...

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