944 belt tensioning tools

[944for-ever]

I just bought a 1984 944 with 127,000 miles, and I dont know when the belts were changed last. So the first thing I'm going to do is change the belts, water pump, spark plugs, and all the fluids. My question is which tensioning tool should I use for tensioning the belts, should I use the krikit, or the AWX from Bruce Arnn?

[ronniebaldino]

I use the Kriket but that AWX looks pretty good.

[mbwilser]

I just use the two of the tools that you have at the ends of your arms.
I confess. I gotta kriket fom napa in the glove box but haven't tried it yet.
17k on new belts and all is good

[IceShark]

Gates Rubber makes the Krikit. For some reason they have a disclaimer posted on their web site not to use the Krikit on timing belts.

There are plenty of owners that have the Porsche 9201 tool so you may want to make friends with them and borrow one. Though if you are in Mitchell SoDak you are sort of off the beaten track. Last time I changed the belts the 9201 and Krickit readings came out about the same.

On this job for your 1984 you may want to also replace the rollers, those can get pretty bad if original. And when you get the timing belt cover off take a good look and see if the seals are leaking oil. If they are, replace them while you are in there.

And if you will be removing the front crank pulleys you need a flywheel lock as that bolt is socked on with some heavy torque. Also, use either a flywheel lock or take the spark plugs out when you set the marks to top dead center. I had my enngine turn over a bit from compression when I left it overnight. Fortunately, I caught it as it was more than two teeth off which is around the spot the valves will smack the pistons..

[944for-ever]

I planned on putting on new rollers anyways. Hasn't anybody out there used Arnn's tool for checking belt tension?