944 is running!!! Now belts are too tight..Why??

[Another944kid]

The belts were set almost perfect at the factory new specs. Now they read about 2-3 full numbers higher. Like the Timing belt is now at about 7, and the balance shaft belt is at about 6. I am gonna just calm down for a bit and redo it tomorrow, but damnit ya kno? Is there a reason behind this, and are there some specs you have found to better suit your new belts?
Thanx,
Greyson

[Another944kid]

Oh yea. This is re-checking without putting it at tdc and backing 1.5 teeth. When done @ tdc and -1.5 teeth, the numbers were right. But I also hear a gear whine up there..tellin me there must be something too tight...Just some added info..

[ae1969]

You know the engine must be cold when you do this.....

Check the tension...like you metioned but make sure you turn the engine over a couple of times (by hand)....then go -1.5 teeth back.... re-check tension.

The tension will change dramatically when the engine is warm.....what I figure you are doing.... it goes up about 3-4 points when the engine is at operating temp.

Good luck

[Another944kid]

Nope..I started it and let it idle for maybe 15 sec, then shut it off. Looked at everything, and checked tension. It was high, but I decided to start the motor again, and it had a whining sound. So I shut it off and decided to wait till I got some opinions before I went further. It was no where near operating temp...so I don't know??

[highboost951]

need to check it when backed off 1.5 teeth, that will change your #'s, in normal load or running operation, the crank pulls the belt and the belt pulls the cam, the slack is on the opposite side now, where the waterpump is. When you turn the crank back counter clockwise your pulling the cam in the opposite direction and putting the slack on the side you check the belt tension. One way to check the tension is to try to turn the waterpump by hand, if it slips on the belt, it's too loose and you obviously don't want it too tight because you'll prematurely wear out the pump.

[John_AZ]

I thought I was the only one who tested the belt tightness by trying to turn the water pump with my thumb and forefinger!!! Highboost951 has made my day. I have a 87 & 88 924S and after I set the mechanical spring belt tightener, I rotate the engine twice and recheck the tension on the water pump pulley. If I can barely rotate it the process is finished (if it is impossible to rotate it the belts whine).

Good luck

John_AZ

87 924S to go
88 924S to show
85 Jeep to tow

[wawaloon]

I never heard of this turning the waterpump pulley trick? I had heard from somewhere that a bit of whine from an initial tensioning was "normal", is this nbot the case?

[John_AZ]

I am not sure of the correct belt whine after the tension. This falls into the grey area. The guage is king. Others can just rotate the belt a half turn and be nearly perfect after years of work on the cars. I change the belts after 24 months and retension at 1500 miles and 1 year-again not to the book.

John_AZ

[wawaloon]

My 924S has the automatic tensioner so to acheive the guage setting of 4.0 I have to apply more than the tension that the built in tensioner can provide. With the tension set at 4.0 I get a definite and worrying whine.