New 3D-Printed 944 Timing Belt Tensioner Tool

[944low]

Thanks so much this will definitely help the new project

[aa_ezra]

This will be my first usefull printed tool from my x1c. Trying to pay for itself. Thank you for this

[aa_ezra]

So we are clear it’s 7ft lbs and number 4 is the number on the oem tool. Not 4 inch lbs for a new belt?

[Tom]

Definitely 7 ft lbs for the Carpokes tool! The factory 9201 tool spec for a new belt is 4.0 +/0 .3 (so 3.7 to 4.3).

The numbers on the factory 9201 tool are dimensionless. As I wrote in Panorama: "That factory P9201 measures tension on a scale from 0 to 9, but the numbers don't mean anything. They don't translate to any known scale. The gauge could have pictures of zoo animals instead, with the factory spec pegged at half past the bunny rabbit, and it wouldn't make any difference. As a result, even the best tensioning tools in the world are effectively worthless on the 944 without some way to equate their measurements to Porsche's specs."

The Carpokes tool is designed so that, with 7 ft lbs applied, the N arrow will line up with the water pump rail only when the belt has the amount of tension that generates a 4.0 on the P9201. 7 ft lbs was an arbitrary choice -- high enough to be fairly accurate/consistent on most torque wrenches, but not so high as to stress the plastic tool. It could have been any torque value really -- for example, I had an earlier version calibrated at 10 ft lbs -- the only difference was the arrow was smidge further to the right.

[P944Z]

Awesome! With the 9201 tool being out of reach by price, and the Arnnworx tool being discontinued, this is super helpful for anyone doing the belts for the first time.

[freeberg]

This is a lifesaver for my son's '84 944!

[gruhsy]

I believe that would mean the factory P9201 was designed by a politician

Definitely 7 ft lbs for the Carpokes tool! The factory 9201 tool spec for a new belt is 4.0 +/0 .3 (so 3.7 to 4.3).

The numbers on the factory 9201 tool are dimensionless. As I wrote in Panorama: "That factory P9201 measures tension on a scale from 0 to 9, but the numbers don't mean anything. They don't translate to any known scale. The gauge could have pictures of zoo animals instead, with the factory spec pegged at half past the bunny rabbit, and it wouldn't make any difference. As a result, even the best tensioning tools in the world are effectively worthless on the 944 without some way to equate their measurements to Porsche's specs."

The Carpokes tool is designed so that, with 7 ft lbs applied, the N arrow will line up with the water pump rail only when the belt has the amount of tension that generates a 4.0 on the P9201. 7 ft lbs was an arbitrary choice -- high enough to be fairly accurate/consistent on most torque wrenches, but not so high as to stress the plastic tool. It could have been any torque value really -- for example, I had an earlier version calibrated at 10 ft lbs -- the only difference was the arrow was smidge further to the right.

[Speedfrk951]

I really like this tool and have a upcoming timing belt job on my car that I would like to test this with. Thank you for posting this awesome project. I literally joined this forum upon finding it and will be contributing more as a result. I really like the idea of 3D printing functional or modernized parts of the car. Anyone else making 3D printed drop in parts that are super useful?

[stevenfurtado19]

cant wait to try it

[alexlohrum]

Hey Tom,

thanks for making this for the community! I´ll print it today to try it out on my early 944.