kricket tool

MikeekiM · 08-12-2002, 05:47 PM

anyone have any experience with the kricket tool? can it be used for timing belt and balance belt? how much do they cost and how reliable are they?

drew1 · 08-12-2002, 06:02 PM

I got something similar to the Kricket a few years ago from Fast Lane, a round track supplier, in Washington?, GA. It is about + or - 15% repeatibilty at the tenson for a 944 timing belt. This isn't too good & it won't check at the same location as the Porsche tool because you can't get it in there.

From my memory they are around $10 or $12. I bought the Porsche tool.

drew1

mike944 · 08-12-2002, 06:03 PM

there has been quite a bit of discussion in the past about this tool. do a search for "krikit" (spelled like that)

they are NOT designed to be used with low-tension belts like the 944 timing belt, BUT.....several people have used them sucessfully. Myself, i find it nearly imposible to get in a good position to read, and the accuracy is questionable at best. the tools ave very cheap, they can be ordered, or picked up at some auto parts stores for less than $14.00.

My opinion: since the timing belt is such a critical item in the 944 series, and since a broken belt causes extensive engine damage, you're better off renting / borrowing a proper P9201 factory tension tool. Or, you could always do what i do, do the belts yourself, and have a mechanic with a 9201 tool tension it properly.

Mike

MikeekiM · 08-12-2002, 06:12 PM

where can i rent/borrow a p9021 tool in new jersey?does pelican rent them? how much?

AFJuvat · 08-12-2002, 06:18 PM

Short answer, yes it can, reliably, or with any degree of consistancy, NO! Translate 2.7 scale units to a kricket tool.....you can't do it.

Many people do the belts using the 90º twist - but usually after they have had some practice or had someone physically show them how or what a properly tensioned belt feels like.

I'm all for doing your own maintenance. However, unless you are absolutely sure of what you are doing, you are gambling with your engine. Saving $300 now doesn't mean anything if your valves are shot 1 day to 3 months down the road - valve jobs START at $1200.

I HIGHLY recommend that you have a professional do it at least the first time and have him let you watch/learn. The Haynes manual and the factory manuals will not make you a mechanic - Haynes pre-supposes that you are experienced with the basics, and the factory manuals pre-suppose that you are already a professional mechanic.

AFJuvat

AFJuvat · 08-12-2002, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MikeekiM
where can i rent/borrow a p9021 tool in new jersey?does pelican rent them? how much?

Pelican used to rent them - believe it was something like $50/week with a $500 deposit.

You need the following tools:

Factory Timing Belt Tensioning Tool, $479.95
944 Balance Shaft Locking Bar $48.30
Timing Belt Adjusting Tool $44.95
Calibration Bar $32.58
Balance Shaft Belt Gauge $56.63

As you can see, the investment is substantial - On the down side, if you drop the P9201, it is ruined. Unfortunately there is no way to re-calibrate them once they are dropped - they just won't read consistantly. Porsche is happy to recalibrate them, after you send them back to Germany and pay $600 to do so - cheaper to buy a new tool.

They are a great investment if you plan on doing a lot of work on the car over time - if all you are going to do is your belts once or twice, it just isn't worth the investment Following normal scheduled maintenance, you would have to replace the belts twice to break even on your tools (versus paying a mechanic)

Sorry if I am coming across as preachy, but I have seen a bunch of these cars get trashed due to the owner trying to save a few dollars on critical maintenance.

AFJuvat

bigyagi · bigyagi's Garage

i have to agree with most of the people on here, and to do the job properly, you would need the special tool, or go to a garage and have them do it! i myself have the krikit, and do just fine with it. but of course, it is my car, and my risk! i am mechanically-minded, and have a "feel" for adjusting things, so i feel comfortable, doing this myself.
unfortunately, it is possible to change your belts, and tension them at the proper periods, and still get a breakage, due to manufacturing defects, water pump failure etc!
i drive my car all year round, and put approx 22000 miles on the clock, so roughly average a couple of tension's a year.
if you do less than this, then i would suggest going to your local garage, for peace of mind!
either way, good luck, and keep that straight=jacket handy!!
regards, bob.

SoCal Driver · SoCal Driver's Garage

Does anyone have the Porsche belt tool that can take some detailed pictures of?

I would like to see how they work and the actual physical dimensions. I still think there is a way to do it with a spring scale like a fish scale or a possibly more accurate specialty one. Maybe even make one.