timing belt tensioners

[jcbjs 260]

Hi, I am in the middle of a belt and tensioner change but have run into a problem. The tensioners on my engine are self-adjusting and the new tensioners are not. I have been told the self-adjust were binned and can only be replaced with the new tensioners. I have also been told that the new tension for the belts have been increased from 95hz -120hz to 120hz -135hz. Can anybody confirm.

[V8Esprit73]

Yep thats all correct, have just done mine! My tensioners are the later type anyway but the belt tension was revised a while back to 120 - 135Hz.

[Gav]

Doing the same job myself so I spoke to Stratton, my local dealer and they said that the settings are:

New belt (<500 miles) = 120-135Hz

Old belt = 95-120Hz

HTH

Gav

[jcbjs 260]

Thanks for the information ,settles my mind.

Edited July 17, 2006 by jcbjs 260

[actwon]

Are you doing this job yourself? If so, where did you purchase your Clavis guage or are you using something else to take frequency ratings? If so, could you help me? I'm doing a cam belt as well.

[jcbjs 260]

No, I have a mechanic that specialises in rare breeds. He has a clavis gauge and has the new belts set to 135hz. He has told me the belts are extremely tight at this tension. I collect the car tomorrow so hoping he has got it right. Sorry I cannot be of more help but if I find out more I will let you know.

[Bibs]

For general information and delication, the auto-tensioning belts were experimental prototypes for evaluation added to Lotus company cars. They decided not to go into production with them and it's very interesting to know of a car which still has them fitted!

[V8Esprit73]

Are you doing this job yourself?  If so, where did you purchase your Clavis guage or are  you using something else to take frequency ratings?  If so, could you help me?  I'm doing a cam belt as well.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I did it myself. I rang Gates (Who make the belts) and they make a gauge. They even supplied a different chip so that the display would show the Hz value rather than just saying within or out of tolerance.

The Gauge is an STT-1. Sonic Belt Tension Tester.

Gates after sales service number is: +32 (0)53 762 815

It's every bit as good as the Clavis manufactured one but is less than half the price!

Hope this helps.