Belt Tension

[rwgreen1173]

73 Plymouth Duster Slat 6 225 with no AC.
Need to figure out belt tension.
The service manual say "Alternator belt Tension (without AC) 10 ft-lb torque"
Wondering if anyone knows what the belt tension should be?
Thanks

 

[6pk2goDemon]

Make sure the belt is tight initially. Recheck after running it a few times...

 

[rwgreen1173]

What is tight? Do you know the proper belt tension?

 

[6pk2goDemon]

I've never used a torque wrench for belt tension. Tighten it up snug w/ no slack....

 

[rwgreen1173]

Yeah. I dont want to use a torque wrench.
I was asking if anyone knows the spec for the proper belt tension so I could measure it.

 

[toolmanmike]

You need a belt tension gauge. If you can find one it might cost you a couple hundred dollars. I am suprised the manual didn't tell how to measure it. Millions of belts have been installed throught the years without measuring the tension. Tight as a fiddle string is too tight. If it vibrates between the pulleys it's too loose.

 

[73Swinger18]

Push down on the belt with moderate thumb pressure at the midpoint of its longest section. The belt should deflect 3/8–1/2 in.

 

[zombywoof]

are you sure you read that manual right? i think the 10lbs of torque is for the bolt that tightens up the alternator to the bracket.

 

[Trevor B]

I was once told that you should not quite be able to twist the belt 180 degrees with your fingers. Is this right?

 

[73Swinger18]

I was once told that you should not quite be able to twist the belt 180 degrees with your fingers. Is this right?

Sounds good to me. I'll have to try that method too.

 

[jeepsterhemi]

73 Plymouth Duster Slat 6 225 with no AC.
Need to figure out belt tension.
The service manual say "Alternator belt Tension (without AC) 10 ft-lb torque"
Wondering if anyone knows what the belt tension should be?
Thanks

From 1973 Chassis Service Manual......

 

[rwgreen1173]

Thanks, jeepsterhemi
120 lbs new
70 lbs used

 

[jeepsterhemi]

Thanks, jeepsterhemi
120 lbs new
70 lbs used

With guage tool C-4162.....

 

[jeepsterhemi]

With guage tool C-4162.....

View attachment 1714994604

Torque method is like you said: 10 ft-lb...

 

[scatpackbee]

With guage tool C-4162.....

View attachment 1714994604

I scored big time at the Moparfest swap meet this year on a brand new, still in the box, OTC 6673 Universal Belt Tension Gauge for $10!

The exact same as the C-4162.

It's a very handy tool to have.

 

[rwgreen1173]

I have one of these:
Amazon.com: Gates 91107 Belt Tension Tester: Automotive
11 bucks.. Seems to work pretty good.

 

[jeepsterhemi]

FWIW...found this in a 1966 Motor's Auto Repair Manual....

 

[AlV]

I have one of these:
Amazon.com: Gates 91107 Belt Tension Tester: Automotive
11 bucks.. Seems to work pretty good.

what reading do you shoot for on this gauge?

 

[rwgreen1173]

what reading do you shoot for on this gauge?

Over 70 under 100 I guess.