Hello all,

I'm doing a timing belt change on an '87 928S4 and I need to set the tension. I have the service manual and it calls for a setting of 5.0-5.3 which is great but its reading you'd get from the Porsche special tool which is unavailable to me.

I've seen all kinds of aftermarket belt tensioning tools on the internet so its obvious you don't have to have the Porsche special tool to do the job, so here is my question.

I have a Borroughs belt tension gage which is a far better tool then some of the ones I've seen on the internet all I need to know is what would be the proper ft lbs.

I'm guessing that it should be around 75-79 but on an interference engine guessing is not wise.

Anyone have any idea?

Thanks in advance!

Ron

You're likely aware of this - thought I'd post it anyway:

http://home.attbi.com/~87928s4/928links.htm

I don't know of any way to check the tension other than with the Porsche tool or the "Kempf tool". From somebody who has crashed all 32 valves on one of those engines you're correct when you say you want to get it right - if for no other reason than to be able to drive without worrying about it. I know Dave Roberts sells the Kempf tool at www.928gt.com and I think 928 International sells it at www.928intl.com for $50-60. Check out
http://www.nichols.nu/tips.htm under "Engine" for testimonials from people who have used the tool.

Randy
'94 E500

Here's a site where you can compare the tone of plucking the belt to a .wav file to listen for the correct tension:

http://www.jageng.com/sharkbit_2.htm

If you're not a musician I might not recommend it though!!!

Randy
'94 E500

Well, the music man wins!

First off thanks for the quick replys.

One of my guys here in the shop didn't laugh when I showed or should I say played him the timing belt blues but instead jumped right on the concept. Appearently he used to play and write music so it all made sense to him.

It actually wasn't far off from where we were before but now atleast we have two "opinions" so to speak.

Thank you Randall

Ron

Don't forget to retension the belt in 1,500 miles or so!

Ron,

Below is a link to thread on the same subject....

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16012

__________________
Rick

'85 380 SL (sold)
'85 Carrera Flatnose
'71 280 SL Signal Red/Cognac