T&T: V-Belt Tensioning Tool

[Albin43SDtr]

David,

At times, yes. On my old sailboat, when I bought it, belt tensioning 
the aux alternator was a one-hand process - tensioning AND tightening 
the bolts. Sufficient side tension had to be placed on the arm 
adjusting bolt to hold it in place while I tightened the nut - again 
all with one hand. The tensioning tool cost about $3.00 and made the 
job doable. I had tried all the time-proven methods you mentioned and 
then some, but there was not enough room. The original engine 
installation on that boat was simply impossible. The raw water 
impeller cover was within < 1" of the forward engine-room bulkhead, 
so I had to cut a hole in the bulkhead and replace the impeller from 
the other side, after removing part of the foam holding the fuel tank 
and boxing the cut-out in. Later, after I relocated the engine aft 
about 8 inches, maintenance was much easier and the boat was better 
balanced. Sometime you just gotta bite the bullet and buy the right 
tools to get the job done, no matter what.

>Wow!!!
>
>I realize that the right tool can make a difficult job easy. But a 
>v-belt tensioning tool??
>
>I have tensioned a lot of v-belts in my life and used a long handled 
>screwdriver, a long box end wrench, a block of wood, or whatever. In 
>fact I can tension the alternator drive belt on my boat engine with 
>just my hand. Any more leverage and it is too tight.
>
>It can't be that difficult can it?



Take care and be safe.

Wayne
Celestial
Albin 43 Sundeck
Near Panama City, FL