01-16-10
Fan Belt Tensioner
I am looking for this tool and can't find it anywhere. JC Whitney no longer seems to carry it. It was called an Instant Fan Belt Tensioner. I spotted it here.
It’s used to force two pulleys on the face of an engine apart to tighten the belt around them. Modern engines have tightener devices built in. Older engines don't. Marine engines like mine (and the gent's on the link above) don't. Yes you can use a long screwdriver to lever it out but it is a two-handed job that ends in skinned knuckles, cursing and bent screwdrivers.
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ANeblig
Good Luck finding this on Whitney's site. It doesn't come up under belt, tensioner, or belt tensioner
rbean
Seems like you could make one from a big turnbuckle.
Zig
Could it be possible that your local auto parts store has one they could lend you? I know the local stores around me have specialty tool rental. Just a thought.
Joe D
Many cars have a 1/2-inch square hole on the metal plate that the pulley is mounted on.
It's designed to accept a 1/2-inch drive ratchet or breaker bar, giving you leverage plus a secure handle to use in tightening the belt.
If the belt goes over multiple pulleys, it might not be on the one that you're looking at.
Lee
Not quite what you were looking for, but http://www.fierosails.com/belt.html has instructions on how to build one yourself. He mentions that similar tools were sold by Harbor freight, but I don't find it on their site now.
Amazon does have http://www.amazon.com/Toyota-Timing-Belt-Tensioner-Compressor/dp/B000I1E92Q which might do what you want, but is listed as specific to fixing Toyotas.
Todd
Very easy to make. Here's another example:
http://www.pbase.com/iamflagman/image/114466824
Arthur
Many bar clamps have reversible jaws; you face them out instead of in to spread. The advantage is most of them have adjustable grips, which eliminate having to screw the rod. (Plus you them have a clamp available.)
Arthur
Many bar clamps have reversible jaws; you face them out instead of in to spread. The advantage is most of them have adjustable grips, which eliminate having to screw the rod. (Plus you then have a clamp available.)
(typo on first submission)
mike
Every single auto parts store will either have one or be able to order one.
Spoonman
Have to agree with Joe D...I always used the lever from my jack to get the right amount of tension.
Roy
One on Ebay right now, but ends in less than two hours. Found by looking for pulley spreader.
tetramagnammon
The old school method is to use a length of wood that is about an inch short and a wedge about 1-1/2", tapering to about 3/4". and simply tapping in the wedge until it is tight, assuming you've got clearance. Older cars had a lot more room to work in than newer ones. If you've got the room, try that.
Camerabike
Use some kind of pry-bar, the mechanic's pry-bars with a screwdriver-like handle and a bent tip work great. Just find a place to pry against that's tightening the pulley with the adjustment loose and tighten the bolt. Dont overdo it.
Travis
I have one in my toolbox. I've had it so long I can't recall now where I got it. I suppose it might have been J.C. Whitney If you just need the one, I might be willing to sell mine :)
Matt (The guy who's looking)
Travis,
Excellent! Yes just one. Thanks.
Contact me through Kevin: KK at kk dot org
Thanks Kevin!
John
There's a new one on eBay under the name "FAN BELT AND ALTERNATOR INSTALLATION TOOL".
John Lincoln
You can find one at www.mscdirect.com. It is Item # 35438209 and lists for $15.66. It is listed as 7.75-15" Extension Range Belt Tension Jack.
Hope it works for you.
schooner
try MSCDIRECT part number 35438209