Belt tensioner bolt torque setting: Recommend if you don't know

[steve]

FSM = Factory Service Manual

I pulled the spec I quoted from the Engine section (11) pages 11 and 12 of the 91 3000GT FSM Volume 1.
What you just gave is the tension measurement if you use a belt tension gauge. That's the keyword you want to use when searching for the tool.

[duke3k]

I think you misread the Factory Service Manual. The ref. to 77 lbs is the actual tension in the belt that you would want to measure with tool. If doing a deflection test you want press with 22lbs .
Quote:
With belt tension gauge set to the belt midway between
the pulleys as shown in the illustration, check the belt
tension for standard value. Or apply a force of 98 N (22
Ibs.) to the belt to check the deflection for standard value.

[ProwlerGT]

Thanks guys. I see now. I tend to skip ahead and look right at the specs and I missed the 22lbs of push force in the instructions above the specs.

Makes sense now, so when I get my belt tension gauge, I'll be looking for the "specification" measurement. Hard to picture these things till you do'em. lol

Do ya'll think I should go ahead and get another belt since I've ran with the overtightened belt for about 2-3k miles? Its only that old.... but I guess it may be a bit stretched now huh?

[ProwlerGT]

I just wanted to follow-up for anyone else looking in the future. I always try to.

I finally found a cost efficient belt tension gauge online and its actually a pretty neat lil device and much cheaper than the over $100 belt tension gauges I've seen that the pro shops probably use.

It can be found online in various places (Amazon and Ebay), but I found it at NAPA Auto Parts for around $13. The NAPA part numbers for the belt tension gauges are:

NBH KR1
NBH KR2

Elsewhere I have seen them as:
Krikit V-Belt Tension Gauge (91107) by Gates
Gates 91132 Belt Tension Tester by Gates

Each of the 2 gauges handles a different range of tension. Since they are so inexpensive, if you are doing a lot of routine maintenance work on various cars you may own, I think having both gauges in your tool box is a good idea and it would probably eliminate the trial and error guess work method of getting the belt tensioned properly by cranking the engine on and off between adjustments.

It seems that these lil gadgets "sense", by pushing downward on the belt, when to "click" a little clicker in the gauge and as soon as you hear that click you stop pushing and read the tension. Pretty easy.

I have yet to experiment with it, but when I do I'm sure it'll be helpful. Hopefully I'll post back and let ya'll know how it worked out.

[Mike-92RT]

Check the service manual.