97 Cherokee Serpentine Belt Tension?

[KX5OO]

97 Cherokee 4.0L. How do I determine the correct belt tension? I bought a Krikit II belt tension tool. The instructions are a little vague. I'm not sure how to use the tool? Anyone have any experience with the Krikit II?

[fredjacksonsan]

Isn't it an automatic tensioner on the 97? I guess maybe not.

In general you want to have the longest travel between pulleys move no more than 3/4" when you push on it fairly hard. The tool probably applies a calibrated amount of pressure and measures the distance the belt is deflected.

[2000izusu]

i tightened mine down so the belt would not squeal on start, but if you go to tight their goes your water pump bearing!

[KX5OO]

Originally Posted by fredjacksonsan

Isn't it an automatic tensioner on the 97? I guess maybe not.

In general you want to have the longest travel between pulleys move no more than 3/4" when you push on it fairly hard. The tool probably applies a calibrated amount of pressure and measures the distance the belt is deflected.

No, it is not an automatic tensioner. Its manual. The pulley is attached to a long bolt. I've already had trouble with a shop over-tightening the the previous belt. They ended up replacing the water pump. The over tight belt fried the bearing in about 2 days.

[LowBudgetBuilt]

Originally Posted by fredjacksonsan: In general you want to have the longest travel between pulleys move no more than 3/4"

.

that how ive always done mine no more than 3/4" of movement between the 2 points furthest apart.