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GRROWL	Possible solution for the belt-breakage problem. Re-posted with permission of the author: quote: Originally posted by GRROWL: Picked it up today, it's a very compact "pencil gauge" with a pocket clip. I was able to squeeze my hand behind the radiator support and take a reading of the serpentine belt on the driver's side, which measured at 100# (specs call for 150). I didn't want to overtighten it blindly, so that's about where I figured. Can't take a picture of it on the car, but here's an amazing simulation: The red pen top represents your finger that is held in place with the elastic loop and pushes down on the spring-loaded pressure plate until it clicks. You can see this better with the sideview: The black plastic finger on the lower left moves the pointer on the top that reads the belt deflection at the calibrated setting of the finger click. It does hold the reading as you move the gauge, so you don't have to see it in place to read it. It looks like it will work pretty well. I'll try it over the weekend - I plan to drive GRROWL up on ramps and check both belts from below. Purchased from Advance Auto as Special Order Item # 80010249 for $41.88 and it came in a box marked J-38931. -GRROWL
Black Tie 161	Looks like a good thing to have.... Still not comprehending how it measures tension, but looks worth getting. I don't have to understand how a TV works to use one either...LOL.
spoons	How accurate is this guage?
RPL	Gates offers a similar gauge, the Krikit II. It is part number 91132. How accurate are these? Better than guessing. How do they work? They work on belt deflection. Measured belt tension on a newly installed belt will decrease as the belt stabilizes over time and should be rechecked and adjusted.
catfish	that gauge is for vbelts only.i bought one today and its going back.last paragraph on instruction page says do not use on a belt that is wider than the gauge.the serp belt is twice as wide as the gauge.so i wont use it due to a very possible incorrect reading.ok on vbelts but not serp belts. ------------------
katmat	Here is the tool that Chrysler/Plymouth says to use: Cooling System & A/C > 7198A Tool Number 7198A Your Price (USD) $384.33 Tool Name BELT TENSION GAUGE Description Use this special belt tension gauge to properly adjust tension on accessory drive belts. 1998 thru Current sorry I can't post the picture.
RPL	THANKS! Should have opened the box and READ the instructions. Good catch!
catfish	saw that and thought this isnt going to work on the serp belt.good for the v belt.a little to loose might be ok.to tight might prematurely wear the accessory pulley bearings.have never thrown a serp blt but the a/c v belt is real critical on tension to loose and it will throw it. ------------------
RPL	Amen! The car has tossed three so far.