I was wondering if anyone can help me determine how to a deflection test on my belts, I know you dont want the belt to be deflected any more than 1/4 inch but when you are tightening to pressure (ie 22lbs) How could I measure that???

Doesn't matter.

If it's tight and doesn't slip and squeel, it's right. it's not rocket science.

That's what I thought also but when I tighten it to what seems to be the proper tightness, the belt keeps slipping off anyway. I have read other postings about how the belt slips off and how to fix it but none of it has worked. So I was guessing maybe its because its not tightened to the correct pressure or its tightened too much. You know how our cars can be sometimes if things are not put on correctly. Any help would be appreciated.

It says in the Chilton's manual the general rule of belt tightening is that there shouldn't be more than 1/2" of deflection when pressing on the longest stretch of the belt.

Yeah I know...I have the Chilton and Haynes books also.

I always do a deflection test with a couple fingers on the belt. I pretend that I can apply exactly 22lbs of force with my hand and determine 1/4" deflections with my eye. I can't truly do it, but I can get close enough. You get a feel for it like determining torque values with your wrist.

Corbin

'95 ESI-T
HRC+FMIC+ETC...



Gimme fuel...Gimme fire...Gimme that which I desire

another general rule of thumb for our belts is that they are adequately tensioned when you can't turn it past 90 degrees.

Ok guys....I found out what the problem was. The tensioner bolt for the accesory belt was cracked so no matter how tight or loose it was the belt was going to slip anyway. I just tried to take the bolt out that applys tension to it and when I was loosened it just fell off. I called around to a few shops and the only place that has it is the dealer. I am going to have to replace the whole tensioner and pulley which is about $120 + tax. Thanks again for the help guys.

Piece of advice, take off the tensioner, don't use it. Measure the distance around your pulleys, buy a belt the same length, use your power steering pump as your new tensioner, and save $120+tax. :)

Originally posted by mrj82
Piece of advice, take off the tensioner, don't use it. Measure the distance around your pulleys, buy a belt the same length, use your power steering pump as your new tensioner, and save $120+tax. :)

EXACTLY

Thanks again guys, Once I did what you suggested, it helped out a lot. No more slipping. Now I can go past 5k RPM's without having to worry.