Hi all,

After reading this tread here.

is it worth getting cambelt tension gauge such as:

this one

??

For checking/setting up cam-belt tension to date, I have used the twist it and see method; maybe it's time to invest in a gauge?

Cheers

Dan

Twist it method is fine

I ran a 2 litre BDA for years and always used the lookey-feely method of adjusting and tensioning the cam belt!

..The usual disclaimers apply should the above advice prove disastrous for your engine!

[Edited on 10/9/12 by Fatgadget]

From memory, the last cam belt change I did was at the direction of the Haynes manual, and they described the 'twist it' method. I don't remember anywhere talking about the Nm value so the tool would be useless for me.

Twist method on the longest run of the belt is fine
(If you get it too tight it'll hum)

I don't think you could inadvertently over tension a belt to the point it would fail in 500 miles, I would bet my life that belt tension did not feature in the cause of that idler failure.

In my opinion belt tension is not particularly critical, I've seen plenty engines with belts at both ends of the spectrum, so tight they almost twang or so loose it looks like it could fall off the pulley.

Cheers
Davie