Great to meet you all, this is my first post, being the proud owner of a 1983 944!
The timing and balance belts were last replaced 40,000 miles and 27 years ago, so after the 500 mile drive home with the car, I think it's time to replace them.
My question is how to tension them both. Unless anyone is willing to lend/sell an Arnnworx tool then my best bet seems to get the 3D printed one, but that only tensions the timing belt. The balance belt seems less critical and some recommend doing it by hand, but given this is my first proper job, I obviously don't want to make a mistakes. Any guidance?
944 Belt Replacement
I have three belt tension tools:
The factory P6201, which does the timing belt, the balance shaft belt, and the alternator/AC belt. (it is the one I use most often).
The arnnworx tool (does the timing belt and the balance shaft belt) An innovative and fairly accurate tool. I waited for the second version which has metal pads instead of wooden pads.
The carpokes tool (have not used it yet... it is my backup).
The balance shaft belt is, by usual standards, loose. When properly tensioned, it is almost floppy. If it whines, it is too tight. If it skips teeth, it is too loose.
The alternator/AC belt is surprisingly tight. Using the P9201, you adjust it to 9.5 (nearly the limit of the gauge) and (if you have AC) tighten the turnbuckle another 1 full turn. The test is whether or not the alternator is putting out enough amperage to charge the battery. If not, it is too loose.
The factory P6201, which does the timing belt, the balance shaft belt, and the alternator/AC belt. (it is the one I use most often).
The arnnworx tool (does the timing belt and the balance shaft belt) An innovative and fairly accurate tool. I waited for the second version which has metal pads instead of wooden pads.
The carpokes tool (have not used it yet... it is my backup).
The balance shaft belt is, by usual standards, loose. When properly tensioned, it is almost floppy. If it whines, it is too tight. If it skips teeth, it is too loose.
The alternator/AC belt is surprisingly tight. Using the P9201, you adjust it to 9.5 (nearly the limit of the gauge) and (if you have AC) tighten the turnbuckle another 1 full turn. The test is whether or not the alternator is putting out enough amperage to charge the battery. If not, it is too loose.
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Black944 turbo
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Depending on where you are, a lot of people will let you borrow their tools or help you.
Black944 turbo - that would be the dream.
I have realised I am going to need to do the water pump and front engine oil seals as well, which will come to 1.5-2k if I get it done in a garage. Very keen to avoid that but as a first job I think it might be a bit of a stretch to do alone.
Based in London so if anyone loves working on 944s in their free time, let me know
I have realised I am going to need to do the water pump and front engine oil seals as well, which will come to 1.5-2k if I get it done in a garage. Very keen to avoid that but as a first job I think it might be a bit of a stretch to do alone.
Based in London so if anyone loves working on 944s in their free time, let me know
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ROB III
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Jahlee, if you are a Facebook person, you might find some local 944 groups are around your location. Thats the main reason I joined Facebook several years ago and have discovered many 944 focused groups and members of the closest one to my location get together to do work on their cars, share tools, offer guidance and moral support.
Rob
89 944 Turbo
Musik-Stadt Region
89 944 Turbo
Musik-Stadt Region