Greetings,
I bought one of these belt tension gauges (before knowing how to use it!) to check the timing belt tension on my Nissan VG engine. Nissan specs call for 13 - 15 mm belt deflection with 98 N (9.8 daN) of force. But the reference charts I’ve found only go up to 7.9 daN. Is there a way to “extrapolate” the numbers on the chart, or would I be better served with one of those pencil-type gauges? Thanks!
To be honest, I have never used a timing belt tension-setting tool. I just put as much tension as I can with one finger. This is sufficient tension to keep the belt from slipping, and is definitely not too much to the point which excess wear would occur. Timing belts don’t stretch like accessory belts, which is why many engines were designed with tensioners which rotate into place, and once the tension is set, there is no spring or other device to add or remove tension.
From what I can tell there is a spring-loaded belt tensioner that sets the tension, no need for this gauge.
I don’t claim to know how to set your belt tension, just a pin-head diy’er, but it seems like you could create a chart of force vs deflection by experiment. If it appears to be a straight line, you might be able to use that to approximate other data points on the curve.
I’ve never done that myself, just rely on the timing belt tensioner…
Thanks for all the responses! I like the linear approach, but math isn’t me forte, so I gave up on trying to calculate the next sets of values. Definitely thinking of returning the “gauge”, I don’t like that the scale isn’t setup to simply dial in the amount of pressure, it has to be referenced off some obscure “chart”.
As for the tensioner, a bunch of conflicting information, mostly stemming from repair manuals, some indicate the tensioner is automatic and some say set it to a certain degree and then check the belt deflection, which leads us back to the tension gauge. Think I might end up just winging it!
Make sure to measure the existing belt’s tension before removing it, then you at least have a reference to compare to.
Too late! But for the future (will hafta do this to a different vehicle soon), what would I use to measure the existing belt’s tension?
Might, I stress might, be useful on old cars with V fan belts, definitely not for your Nissan.
In over 30+ years in the business and have done plenty of TB, taught many how to do TB’s and seen even more done by others, I have never seen that tool used… lol
Always just used a straight edge and measuring tape etc or simply used a finger as noted above…
You have what a VG30ET SOHC engine with 4.5psi of boost for about 230hp on a good day, it is not a Maserati, don’t overthink this millions of TB’s have been done without using a belt tension tool…
Whenever I did a timing belt on any vehicle the test always involved a feeler gauge.
How do you use a feeler gauge to test belt deflection?
Feeler gauge to set plugs, points, and valves, have done so. Belt deflection, can’t even guess.
Each vehicle is different. But here’s one.
Not going to watch all the videos from the link you posted, watched one, did not see a feeler gauge in it.
From the same link this photo, where do you insert the feeler gauge? Or do you have a 1/2 inch thick feeler gauge?
Not sure on this particular vehicle. But on other vehicles I worked on the feeler gauge went between the timing belt and the tensioner when the tensioner was set. You wanted the gauge to sit snuggly between the belt and the tensioner.
That make sense.
I have only replaced one, that was on an early 70s Pinto. Belt broke in my driveway, picked up a replacement, lined up the timing marks. That was it, even used the old tensioner. This was a second car, had unknown miles, when we bought it showed 98K, later I noticed the odometer was inoperable.
Other than being grossly underpowered, the car served us well.
Sorry all, got busy, but wanted to update you!
(And thanks for all the informative replies, videos, etc!)
I did see that video where they “clocked” the tensioner, even asked if it was possible to clock it too many times, they replied back “yes”, but the whole thing made me nervous!
Ended up just using my weak hand index finger to apply pressure midway on the belt until I got about 1/2" of deflection, as seen in another youtube video. I still would’ve preferred some type of tension gauge, but the only other one I see (for a reasonble price) has a sticker for the markings that of course is going to peel off after a few uses, so I’ll just go by feel/the eye-test from now on!
Oh, I did see about the feeler gauge, too, the Factory Service Manual says to use that method when rechecking the tension vs a new belt (probably wouldn’t hurt there, either), but I didn’t feel like getting mired in the weeds with the feeler gauge and what-not!
Your timing belt must be easy to access. The last car I had with a belt, I was going to change it myself. Just too much stuff in the way to get to the cover. Had a shop do it. For something that only needs to be done around 60-90,000 miles, depending on make, IMHO, not worth buying a special tool.
I did ONE timing belt on a transverse mounted engine (87 Accord). Not a fun job. The timing belts on my 90 and 98 Pathfinder V6 were considerably easier. My 73 Vega was the easiest.
There must be a variety of methods to set the timing belt tension, varies car to car. IIRC the Corolla’s timing belt tensioner is set by simply loosening a bolt, it then automatically springs to the correct position/tension, then you just re-tighten the bolt. I’ve seen others that two notches on the tensioner have to be lined up. Achieving that notch-alignment might require a special tool.
