Optibelt tool...

[carolinus]

I am looking for opinions on the optibelt tool, and possible sources for it. What do you guys think? Is it a viable replacement for P9201?

[wjk_glynn]

The Optibelt Tool costs ~$50 and the P9201 costs $364 (see http://www.weissach.net/P9201.html).

Personally, I'd pay the $314 delta for the genuine tool.

Karl.

[AFJuvat]

Can you use it to tension the belts - Yes

Is it reliable or accurate consistantly? - No

Here is where the problem comes in - the 9201 gauge is expressed in scale units (example, 2.7 scale units for the balance shaft belt)

2.7 scale units does not relate to anything (a given deflection value, xftlbs etc.)

In order to have a snowballs chance to tension it accourately, you would have to tension the belts with the proper tool, and then take measurements from the optibelt tool, repeatedly, to ensure accurate measurements.

AFJuvat

[944pete]

I bought the Kriket tool (looks identical to the Optibelt) at NAPA for $9.80 plus tax. I'm going to try it out and compare values to the 9201 if the weather ever warms up.
Where is global warming when you need it?

[Gene Alvarez]

This site gives tensioning values in lbs for use with the Optibelt tool:

http://www.blaszakprecision.com/Belts.html

Please let us know how the tool performs.

Gene

[carolinus]

I will probably have an opportunity to compare P9201 output with this tool. Apparantly this tool was designed by Optibelt to measure the tension on the replacement belt needed here. As such, it even has the markings on it for the recommended belt tensions from the factory. Ach so, we shall see.

[Lawrence Coppari]

I've used the Krikit (same thing I think) for 6 years now. No problems. I leave the balance shaft belt looser than what is recommended. If I don't, it makes a whirring sound. I set the cam belt to what is recommended on the index. This gets done yearly.

[carolinus]

Krikit is very similar, in my understanding. And if you do a belt a year, I suppose you should be fine.