Today I went to change out the belt on my newly acquired 97 XJ. I got the Krikit II tensioner tool and a premium belt from NAPA and was set to go. I had a tough time getting the tensioner to loosen, the bolt was sticking up an inch or so, but the pulley didn't move. After a little pounding with a sledge I was able to loosen it. Got the old belt off, the new one on and began to tighten, stopping periodically to check the tension with the tool.
I was just starting to get a reading on the tool when the bolt snapped off. Needless to say I was thrilled. After pondering how to fix it, I thought that maybe it's tight enough where it broke, I got a reading of around 150lbs, and 170 is required for a new belt, that's pretty close. I started the Jeep, let it run awhile, and everything seemed fine, but when I checked the tension again it's now reading 80 pounds (at least it's reading). The belt stretched out a bit I guess.
So what would YOU do? It seems to be running fine, I've been working on this Jeep awhile now (rusted floor pan fixed, replaced interior, hit a tree and fixing damage) and I'm just over working on it for the winter at least, I'm in NY and it's damn cold. And I really don't want to cut the brand new belt I just put on it, I don't see how I'd be able to loosen the pulley, it seems my only option would be to cut the belt, remove the tensioner pulley and put in a new one.
Suggestions?
I was just starting to get a reading on the tool when the bolt snapped off. Needless to say I was thrilled. After pondering how to fix it, I thought that maybe it's tight enough where it broke, I got a reading of around 150lbs, and 170 is required for a new belt, that's pretty close. I started the Jeep, let it run awhile, and everything seemed fine, but when I checked the tension again it's now reading 80 pounds (at least it's reading). The belt stretched out a bit I guess.
So what would YOU do? It seems to be running fine, I've been working on this Jeep awhile now (rusted floor pan fixed, replaced interior, hit a tree and fixing damage) and I'm just over working on it for the winter at least, I'm in NY and it's damn cold. And I really don't want to cut the brand new belt I just put on it, I don't see how I'd be able to loosen the pulley, it seems my only option would be to cut the belt, remove the tensioner pulley and put in a new one.
Suggestions?