Stus-List Re: v-belt tensioning tool

[ALAN BERGEN via CnC-List]

I got one like it from JC Whitney. I'll find out what it's called when I go
to my boat this week.

Alan Bergen
35 Mk III Thirsty
Rose City YC
Portland, OR



On Sun, May 14, 2023 at 2:08 PM Josh via CnC-List 
wrote:

> Its called a belt jack.
>
> https://a.co/d/4EN0JIj
> 
>
> I originally got mine from my Dad.  Never knew where he got it.  I assume
> some auto parts store.  After tightening the belt on my Yanmar I proceeded
> to test start the the engine.  An unusual and loud metallic sound ensued,
> upon which I immediately realized I had forgotten to remove the jack.
> Ugh!  Well it broke the shoe off of one side of the jack and I was left
> searching for a replacement.  Why google searches for "v-belt tension tool"
> don't work I have no idea.  Google "belt jack" and it immediately comes up.
>
> I did repurchase and also found a welder friend to reattach the broken
> shoe.  Now I have 2.  Swing by Solomons, MD and we can arrange for
> something.
>
>
> All the best,
>
> Josh Muckley
> S/V Sea Hawk
> 1989 C&C 37+
> Solomons, MD
>
> May 14, 2023 15:54:00 Marek Dziedzic via CnC-List :
>
> Hello,
>
> A while ago someone on this list talked about a simple (and inexpensive)
> tool that could be used as the third hand when tensioning the V-belt.
>
> The normal problem is that you need, really, three hands: two to hold the
> alternator in position, preferable with help of some lever, and the third
> to tighten the bolt that holds it. That tool was supposed to allow the
> procedure to be completed single-handedly.
>
> I think that the tool was from McMaster-Carr, or Harbor Freight, or some
> similar outlet.
>
> I tried to find it searching through Google, but to no avail. In the end,
> I used the 3rd and 4th hand (of a helpful friend), but I’d like to be
> able to do it on my own.
>
> Could someone point me to this implement?
>
> Thanks
>
> Marek
>
> 1994 c270 ”Legato”
>
> Ottawa, ON
>
> Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and
> help me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
>
> https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.paypal.me/stumurray__;!!LIr3w8kk_Xxm!pVthGCUGMgyoINqSEKXSLkzXmGJjDYSRvU4ymtetZ4dLLryCNx9ft0rSd8Y8CFey3IWxF8As2Rz-CVrCNS2feN8$
> Thanks for your help.
> Stu
Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help 
me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
Thanks for your help.
Stu

Stus-List Re: v-belt tensioning tool

[Lisle Kingery, PhD via CnC-List]

I’ve had success with 1” wooden dowel cut to needed length which allows
positioning the dowel to push up on the alternator to the desired position.
Length depend ms on how you can position the dowel. Has worked well for me.
Same for raw water pump.

Lisle

On Sun, May 14, 2023 at 4:09 PM Josh via CnC-List 
wrote:

> Its called a belt jack.
>
> https://a.co/d/4EN0JIj
>
> I originally got mine from my Dad.  Never knew where he got it.  I assume
> some auto parts store.  After tightening the belt on my Yanmar I proceeded
> to test start the the engine.  An unusual and loud metallic sound ensued,
> upon which I immediately realized I had forgotten to remove the jack.
> Ugh!  Well it broke the shoe off of one side of the jack and I was left
> searching for a replacement.  Why google searches for "v-belt tension tool"
> don't work I have no idea.  Google "belt jack" and it immediately comes up.
>
> I did repurchase and also found a welder friend to reattach the broken
> shoe.  Now I have 2.  Swing by Solomons, MD and we can arrange for
> something.
>
>
> All the best,
>
> Josh Muckley
> S/V Sea Hawk
> 1989 C&C 37+
> Solomons, MD
>
> May 14, 2023 15:54:00 Marek Dziedzic via CnC-List :
>
> Hello,
>
> A while ago someone on this list talked about a simple (and inexpensive)
> tool that could be used as the third hand when tensioning the V-belt.
>
> The normal problem is that you need, really, three hands: two to hold the
> alternator in position, preferable with help of some lever, and the third
> to tighten the bolt that holds it. That tool was supposed to allow the
> procedure to be completed single-handedly.
>
> I think that the tool was from McMaster-Carr, or Harbor Freight, or some
> similar outlet.
>
> I tried to find it searching through Google, but to no avail. In the end,
> I used the 3rd and 4th hand (of a helpful friend), but I’d like to be
> able to do it on my own.
>
> Could someone point me to this implement?
>
> Thanks
>
> Marek
>
> 1994 c270 ”Legato”
>
> Ottawa, ON
>
> Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and
> help me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
> https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
> Thanks for your help.
> Stu
Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help 
me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
Thanks for your help.
Stu

Stus-List Re: v-belt tensioning tool

[David Knecht via CnC-List]

This is what I bought an auto parts store ages ago:

https://www.amazon.com/Supco-Belt-Tension-Jack/dp/B008FM8BM4 


David Knecht
Rear Commodore
Thames Yacht Club
New London, CT



> On May 14, 2023, at 5:07 PM, Josh via CnC-List  wrote:
> 
> Its called a belt jack. 
> 
> https://a.co/d/4EN0JIj 
> 
> I originally got mine from my Dad.  Never knew where he got it.  I assume 
> some auto parts store.  After tightening the belt on my Yanmar I proceeded to 
> test start the the engine.  An unusual and loud metallic sound ensued, upon 
> which I immediately realized I had forgotten to remove the jack.  Ugh!  Well 
> it broke the shoe off of one side of the jack and I was left searching for a 
> replacement.  Why google searches for "v-belt tension tool" don't work I have 
> no idea.  Google "belt jack" and it immediately comes up. 
> 
> I did repurchase and also found a welder friend to reattach the broken shoe.  
> Now I have 2.  Swing by Solomons, MD and we can arrange for something. 
> 
> 
> All the best, 
> 
> Josh Muckley 
> S/V Sea Hawk 
> 1989 C&C 37+ 
> Solomons, MD 
> 
> May 14, 2023 15:54:00 Marek Dziedzic via CnC-List :
> 
> Hello,
> 
> 
> A while ago someone on this list talked about a simple (and inexpensive) tool 
> that could be used as the third hand when tensioning the V-belt.
> 
> 
> The normal problem is that you need, really, three hands: two to hold the 
> alternator in position, preferable with help of some lever, and the third to 
> tighten the bolt that holds it. That tool was supposed to allow the procedure 
> to be completed single-handedly.
> 
> 
> I think that the tool was from McMaster-Carr, or Harbor Freight, or some 
> similar outlet.
> 
> 
> I tried to find it searching through Google, but to no avail. In the end, I 
> used the 3rd and 4th hand (of a helpful friend), but I’d like to be able to 
> do it on my own.
> 
> 
> Could someone point me to this implement?
> 
> 
> Thanks
> 
> 
> Marek
> 
> 
> 1994 c270 ”Legato”
> 
> Ottawa, ON
> 
> 
> 
> Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help 
> me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
> https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
> Thanks for your help.
> Stu

Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help 
me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
Thanks for your help.
Stu

Stus-List Re: v-belt tensioning tool

[Josh via CnC-List]

Its called a belt jack.

https://a.co/d/4EN0JIj

I originally got mine from my Dad.  Never knew where he got it.  I assume some 
auto parts store.  After tightening the belt on my Yanmar I proceeded to test 
start the the engine.  An unusual and loud metallic sound ensued, upon which I 
immediately realized I had forgotten to remove the jack.  Ugh!  Well it broke 
the shoe off of one side of the jack and I was left searching for a 
replacement.  Why google searches for "v-belt tension tool" don't work I have 
no idea.  Google "belt jack" and it immediately comes up.

I did repurchase and also found a welder friend to reattach the broken shoe.  
Now I have 2.  Swing by Solomons, MD and we can arrange for something.


All the best,

Josh Muckley
S/V Sea Hawk
1989 C&C 37+
Solomons, MD

May 14, 2023 15:54:00 Marek Dziedzic via CnC-List :

> Hello,
> 
> A while ago someone on this list talked about a simple (and inexpensive) tool 
> that could be used as the third hand when tensioning the V-belt.
> 
> The normal problem is that you need, really, three hands: two to hold the 
> alternator in position, preferable with help of some lever, and the third to 
> tighten the bolt that holds it. That tool was supposed to allow the procedure 
> to be completed single-handedly.
> 
> I think that the tool was from McMaster-Carr, or Harbor Freight, or some 
> similar outlet.
> 
> I tried to find it searching through Google, but to no avail. In the end, I 
> used the 3rd and 4th hand (of a helpful friend), but I’d like to be able to 
> do it on my own.
> 
> Could someone point me to this implement?
> 
> Thanks
> 
> Marek
> 
> 1994 c270 ”Legato”
> 
> Ottawa, ON
> 
Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help 
me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
Thanks for your help.
Stu

Stus-List Re: v-belt tensioning tool

[Marek Dziedzic via CnC-List]

Thanks for the ideas. This was very helpful

Thanks

Marek



Sent from my Android-based can on a string


Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help 
me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
Thanks for your help.
Stu

Stus-List Re: v-belt tensioning tool

[CHARLES SCHEAFFER via CnC-List]

That's just what I was decribing Ken.  Beautiful.

While we are on the subject, too much tension can ruin the alternator bearings, 
so be careful.  Proper tension should be just tight enough there is no 
slippage.  Usually that means you can still grab the longest part of the belt 
and give it a quarter turn.

Chuck S 

> On 05/14/2023 4:39 PM Ken Heaton via CnC-List  
> wrote:
> 
> 
> This looks like an easy to make tool.  Just a turnbuckle from the 
> hardware store and a little grinding.
> 
> https://c34.org/bbs/index.php?topic=10338.0
> 
> Ken H.
> 
> On Sun, May 14, 2023 at 4:53 PM Marek Dziedzic via CnC-List 
> mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com > wrote:
> 
> > > 
> > Hello,
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > A while ago someone on this list talked about a simple (and 
> > inexpensive) tool that could be used as the third hand when tensioning the 
> > V-belt.
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > The normal problem is that you need, really, three hands: two to 
> > hold the alternator in position, preferable with help of some lever, and 
> > the third to tighten the bolt that holds it. That tool was supposed to 
> > allow the procedure to be completed single-handedly.
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > I think that the tool was from McMaster-Carr, or Harbor Freight, or 
> > some similar outlet.
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > I tried to find it searching through Google, but to no avail. In 
> > the end, I used the 3rd and 4th hand (of a helpful friend), but I’d like to 
> > be able to do it on my own.
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > Could someone point me to this implement?
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > Thanks
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > Marek
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > 1994 c270 ”Legato”
> > 
> > Ottawa, ON
> > 
> >  
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album 
> > site and help me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
> > https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
> > Thanks for your help.
> > Stu
> > 
> > > Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album 
> > site and help me pay the associated bills. Make a contribution at:
> https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
> Thanks for your help.
> Stu
> 
Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help 
me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
Thanks for your help.
Stu

Stus-List Re: v-belt tensioning tool

[CHARLES SCHEAFFER via CnC-List]

I think if the belt is 3/8", you could fashion the tool from a turnbuckle with 
1/4" or 3/8" eyes and grind the eyes so you're left with a Y on each end vee'd 
to match the belt, to properly fit the pulley grooves.  An aluminum turnbuckle 
from any hardware store could be used.

Chuck S



> On 05/14/2023 4:32 PM CHARLES SCHEAFFER via CnC-List 
>  wrote:
> 
> 
> I've seen a tool made from a turnbuckle.  It has to be shorter than the 
> distance between the engine block pulley and the alternator pulley.  The tool 
> has ends that match the belt shape and sits in the grooves of the pulleys.  
> You place the ends in the pulleys and turn the turnbuckle barrel to tension 
> the belt, tighten the bolt and remove the turnbuckle.
> 
> On my Universal M4-30, I found a simpler way was to use an adjustable 
> wrench as a lever.  I loosen the alternator hinge bolt a little and loosen 
> the adjustment bolt using a 1/2" box wrench.  Then I stick the handle of the 
> adjustable between the engine block and the alternator body and gently 
> tension the belt with my left hand, back on the jaws part, feel the belt, 
> when it feels right, I tighten the alternator adjustment bolt with the box 
> wrench.  Then I retighten the mounting bolt back up.  Easy-peasy.
> 
> You can find tools from Graingers or McMaster-Carr
> 
> Chuck S
> 
> > > On 05/14/2023 3:53 PM Marek Dziedzic via CnC-List 
>  wrote:
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > Hello,
> > 
> > 
> > A while ago someone on this list talked about a simple (and 
> > inexpensive) tool that could be used as the third hand when tensioning the 
> > V-belt.
> > 
> > 
> > The normal problem is that you need, really, three hands: two to 
> > hold the alternator in position, preferable with help of some lever, and 
> > the third to tighten the bolt that holds it. That tool was supposed to 
> > allow the procedure to be completed single-handedly.
> > 
> > 
> > I think that the tool was from McMaster-Carr, or Harbor Freight, or 
> > some similar outlet.
> > 
> > 
> > I tried to find it searching through Google, but to no avail. In 
> > the end, I used the 3rd and 4th hand (of a helpful friend), but I’d like to 
> > be able to do it on my own.
> > 
> > 
> > Could someone point me to this implement?
> > 
> > 
> > Thanks
> > 
> > 
> > Marek
> > 
> > 
> > 1994 c270 ”Legato”
> > 
> > Ottawa, ON
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album 
> > site and help me pay the associated bills. Make a contribution at:
> > https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
> > Thanks for your help.
> > Stu
> > 
> > > Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site 
> > and help me pay the associated bills. Make a contribution at:
> https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
> Thanks for your help.
> Stu
> 
Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help 
me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
Thanks for your help.
Stu

Stus-List Re: v-belt tensioning tool

[Ken Heaton via CnC-List]

This looks like an easy to make tool.  Just a turnbuckle from the hardware
store and a little grinding.

https://c34.org/bbs/index.php?topic=10338.0

Ken H.

On Sun, May 14, 2023 at 4:53 PM Marek Dziedzic via CnC-List <
cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote:

> Hello,
>
>
>
> A while ago someone on this list talked about a simple (and inexpensive)
> tool that could be used as the third hand when tensioning the V-belt.
>
>
>
> The normal problem is that you need, really, three hands: two to hold the
> alternator in position, preferable with help of some lever, and the third
> to tighten the bolt that holds it. That tool was supposed to allow the
> procedure to be completed single-handedly.
>
>
>
> I think that the tool was from McMaster-Carr, or Harbor Freight, or some
> similar outlet.
>
>
>
> I tried to find it searching through Google, but to no avail. In the end,
> I used the 3rd and 4th hand (of a helpful friend), but I’d like to be
> able to do it on my own.
>
>
>
> Could someone point me to this implement?
>
>
>
> Thanks
>
>
>
> Marek
>
>
>
> 1994 c270 ”Legato”
>
> Ottawa, ON
>
>
>
>
> Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and
> help me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
> https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
> Thanks for your help.
> Stu
Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help 
me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
Thanks for your help.
Stu

Stus-List Re: v-belt tensioning tool

[CHARLES SCHEAFFER via CnC-List]

I've seen a tool made from a turnbuckle.  It has to be shorter than the 
distance between the engine block pulley and the alternator pulley.  The tool 
has ends that match the belt shape and sits in the grooves of the pulleys.  You 
place the ends in the pulleys and turn the turnbuckle barrel to tension the 
belt, tighten the bolt and remove the turnbuckle.

On my Universal M4-30, I found a simpler way was to use an adjustable wrench as 
a lever.  I loosen the alternator hinge bolt a little and loosen the adjustment 
bolt using a 1/2" box wrench.  Then I stick the handle of the adjustable 
between the engine block and the alternator body and gently tension the belt 
with my left hand, back on the jaws part, feel the belt, when it feels right, I 
tighten the alternator adjustment bolt with the box wrench.  Then I retighten 
the mounting bolt back up.  Easy-peasy.

You can find tools from Graingers or McMaster-Carr

Chuck S

> On 05/14/2023 3:53 PM Marek Dziedzic via CnC-List  
> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> Hello,
> 
> 
> A while ago someone on this list talked about a simple (and inexpensive) 
> tool that could be used as the third hand when tensioning the V-belt.
> 
> 
> The normal problem is that you need, really, three hands: two to hold the 
> alternator in position, preferable with help of some lever, and the third to 
> tighten the bolt that holds it. That tool was supposed to allow the procedure 
> to be completed single-handedly.
> 
> 
> I think that the tool was from McMaster-Carr, or Harbor Freight, or some 
> similar outlet.
> 
> 
> I tried to find it searching through Google, but to no avail. In the end, 
> I used the 3rd and 4th hand (of a helpful friend), but I’d like to be able to 
> do it on my own.
> 
> 
> Could someone point me to this implement?
> 
> 
> Thanks
> 
> 
> Marek
> 
> 
> 1994 c270 ”Legato”
> 
> Ottawa, ON
> 
> 
> 
> Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and 
> help me pay the associated bills. Make a contribution at:
> https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
> Thanks for your help.
> Stu
> 
Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help 
me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
Thanks for your help.
Stu

Stus-List v-belt tensioning tool

[Marek Dziedzic via CnC-List]

Hello,

A while ago someone on this list talked about a simple (and inexpensive) tool 
that could be used as the third hand when tensioning the V-belt.

The normal problem is that you need, really, three hands: two to hold the 
alternator in position, preferable with help of some lever, and the third to 
tighten the bolt that holds it. That tool was supposed to allow the procedure 
to be completed single-handedly.

I think that the tool was from McMaster-Carr, or Harbor Freight, or some 
similar outlet.

I tried to find it searching through Google, but to no avail. In the end, I 
used the 3rd and 4th hand (of a helpful friend), but I'd like to be able to do 
it on my own.

Could someone point me to this implement?

Thanks

Marek

1994 c270 "Legato"
Ottawa, ON


Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help 
me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
Thanks for your help.
Stu