So I'm gearing up and getting as much info as possible for this maintenance this summer. I'm trying to understand what is the proper tension for these belts. The numbers here are Greek to me. I've read some people just do the thumb method. (Twist 90 degree) Whats your thoughts on that or should I go for the factory recommendations? What do you guys do to check this? Thanks

 

If you want to be exact they make a belt tension tool that's pretty cheap or just use the twist method.

 

I use my thumb in the middle of the longest run of the belt.

Do you have a bathroom scale? If so, then practice what 20 lbs feels like when pushing your thumb down on the scale. Your entire thumbprint should be flat on the scale.

Now adjust the belt so that same thumb-pressure results in a deflection of the belt of about 1/4" if a new belt, or about 3/8" if a used belt. Study the distances on a ruler so you can eyeball those distances while pushing on the belt.

 

Thanks guys. Where did you get those specs at for the 1/4 and 3/8?

 

The specs say under 20 lbs deflection force. I was looking some amazon ones and most of them starts at 30lbs. Couldn't find one under the 20lbs spec.

 

1/4" is 6mm. 3/8" is 10mm. Check the figures in the photos above. Precision isn't critical for this application.

By the way, I forgot to mention that for some belts you need to use the fingertips of the index and middle fingers since there isn't any room for a thumb. Same approach applies.