I think the tool is available from several places, not just HD. Just google it. I don't think I paid more than $15 for mine. Try the online tire sales websites.

carl

 

This is what I made, works like a charm.

 

Thanks for all the help. Still waiting on my service manual I'm thinking they might still be writing it but as soon as I get that I'll get working on it. I'm definitely going to get those tools though. Like I said I refuse to own anything I can't work on and with a 1 year old and a soon to be new born I'll need all the garage time I can get to clear my head so I'm looking forward to it haha

 

That's a bit young to make him/her an apprentice, but 'start 'em young' is always a good policy!

 

Also watch that you don't over tighten the belt. Then you will have another problem with to deal with like a bearing issue

 

Really GR! I expected better than that from you. Forty-five degrees is forty-five degrees regardless if twisted by King Kong or Twiggie :-)

 

Not so old chap! If we compare the ability of Twiggie and King Kong to twist a tight thing like a drive belt, we are likely to get different results. Twiggie may not be able to twist it that much, KK may be able to twist it more. The tension tool applies a predictable consistent load to the belt, which each of them (as well as you and I) can do.

 

That's pretty slick! what did you use for the locking alignment marker?

 

I used a piece of 1/2" 1018 cold rolled. Drilled and tapped one end for the 1/4-20 thumb screw, drilled the other end 23/64' and pressed in a 3/8" bearing ball.

 

I usually just adjust the belt and wheel so that the belt runs in the center of the rear pulley when going forward. It will move to the side when backing up. Belt tension to lose and they howl, to tight and hard on bearings.