Cambelt Tension

[rowge]

Hi All, changed my cam belt and bearing recently and set tension to 55 on my Krikit1 gauge, I previously owned an excel which before changing the belt on it checked using Krikit1 result 55, .so,changed belt and set to 55, when I purchased the Esprit SE before removing old belt checked tension 55 on krikit1 gauge, replaced belt and set to 55, so i was a happy bunny, but last weekend checked again and now I have 45 so a bit low, anyway after reading about the Clavis gauge, I have borrowed an Optibelt TT mini, which is very similar to the Clavis gauge. Using Optibelt at 30 degrees BTDC 95Hz, and at TDC 65 Hz, a big difference so the 30 degrees BTDC position is very important

I am as always lying on my back, can you adjust tension without taking of crank pulley again or maybe just removing the belts, any thoughts before I adjust again to 110 Hz and hopefully 55 on the krikit

[Sparky]

With the right 19mm spanner and a 17mm socket (or spanner actually), you can easily adjust tension without removing pulley or any belts.  It just takes a bit of blind manual dexterity!

[rowge]

Hi Gary, Ok will now have to give it a go, think I will raise the car up I bit more though (axle stands of course) as currently not much wriggle room, where do I purchase the blind manual dexterity? as I sounds very useful.

Cheers Steve

[Vulcan Grey]

usually take the average of 3 readings at 30BTDC, rotating engine 720 each time (clockwise only).

[rowge]

Checked again using my Krikit result 45, so need to tighten, set to TDC, then using a 3/8 drive ratchet and a long series 17mm socket plus a 19mm open ended spanner on the tensioner, managed to undo 17mm locknut, tighten a small amount anti clockwise, then torque 17mm locknut to 40 NM, moved to 30degrees BTDC, Krikit 50/55 then checked using Optibelt TT Mini 104/105Hz,m tried using a screwdriver to tap belt but found I got same result using my finger to twang the belt, rotated crank pulley 720 degrees and checked again 100/102 Hz, repeated 104/105, 105/106, 105/106, happy days, I am at last satisfied that the belt tension is correct, and will have a good nights sleep tonight, thanks for all the help

Cheers Steve