WolfDragon

I am still learning to install belts. Seems a lot of people improperly tension drive belts. I did some research into applying correct tension on drives belts (not Honda specific) the gauge to do so what costly. Parts stores don't rent them.Long story short I found the gates krikit and its clones.

Krikit? V-Belt Tension Gauge | Gates Corporation

It took me minuet to understand how to properly use it, but I found I was way under tightening my belts.

I looked up the tension for the 91 accord and it list with a/c:

power steering tension:
new 154-198 lbs
used 77-110 lbs

alt/ac:
new 209-253 lbs
used 99-132 lbs
*used being continuously run for five minutes

I got the tension to around 109 lbs and this belts seem way to tight. it does not make noise and every thing works, but I dont want to hose my bearings in my alt/ac/steering.

Any one use the krikit? any input?
whats the proper way to install belts? install then tension, let run 5-10min, then tension again?

MAD_MIKE

Proper way is to install new belts, tension them to the new belt spec, run the engine for the spec'd time, check the belts are still within tension in the 'used' setting. If the belt tension falls within spec you are golden.

Gates is a well respected/trusted company that makes quality parts. I would trust their tool.

holmesnmanny

On the longest side of the belt you are checking belt deflection, in the middle of said side, using your thumb and index finger, twist the belt. It should twist about 90 degrees.

That is how you test any belt.