Gates Krikit Tension Gauge

[spudly]

Does anyone know where to pick up a Gates Krikit Tension Gauage locally (Bay Area, Stockton, Modesto)? Or is there another good belt tension gauge?

I tired to order one online, but after stating they were in stock I got the "we're out of stock and don't know when we'll get them" message.

[Bryan C.]

Never really used or needed one. Just tighten the belt down and see if it makes noise when you run the engine or turn on your a/c.

[spudly]

Just worried I'm going to over-tighten it. Of course currently it must be loose since it squeals like mad. It didn't before I tore everything apart.

Napa ordered what they think is the right one, we'll see tomorrow morning.

[ChuckD]

Isn't there like a simple 1" above and below deflection. I remember reading it in my Chiltons.

[spudly]

I tried the 1/2" up or down method, but still have the squeal. Chilton's has a spec in it about new to 180-200 lbs and old 140-160 lbs on a tension gauge in the middle of the belt.

Guess my anal retentiveness is getting the better of me again. :dunno:

[SKIM]

When I did mine I did the 1/2" up or down and mine is fine no squeek at all.

[5-90]

I know they can be had locally - NAPA should have them.

I've been using the "twist test" for serpentine belts, and it's been serving me well. Grab the belt in the centre of the longest span, and you should be able to just twist it 1/4-turn. I've had the opportunity to check it against a Krikit recently, and I'm actually fairly close. Problem is, it's a subjective test, and has a lot to do with the forearm strength of the tester. So, I plan to add a Krikit or two to my toolbox one of these days - they're quite simple to use.

[Ivan]

Here's the krikit product link at Napa...

http://napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=NBH&PartNumber=KR2&Description=Belt+Tension+Gauge

I bought one a while back...it's pretty slick and simple to use....

[Bryan C.]

Here's the krikit product link at Napa...

http://napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=NBH&PartNumber=KR2&Description=Belt+Tension+Gauge

I bought one a while back...it's pretty slick and simple to use....

That's funny. I actually have one of those now that I think about it. But I never really thought much of it and only used it once or twice. :dunno:

[ChuckD]

Could you use a fish scale?

[spudly]

It would be pretty subjective since you could keep pulling. If you watched when the belt started to move I suppose it would work.

The gauge is kinda cool. Pretty simple concept once I figured it out.

Here's what $15 gets you:http://home.comcast.net/~spudly55/kr2.jpg

[DIGITRUCK]

Here's the krikit product link at Napa...

http://napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=NBH&PartNumber=KR2&Description=Belt+Tension+Gauge

I bought one a while back...it's pretty slick and simple to use....

****Just cked the link and it says it's for V-BELTS. I then searched the NAPA site for BELT TENSION GAUGE and got another KRIKIT that also says for V-BELTS.

Which one is the correct one for SERPENTINE BELTS?

Thx.

[spudly]

The NAPA part number is KR2, it's their own version of the Krikit.