Aftermarket Belt tension toolFrom: Benovengo, Ed [ebenovengo@hlw.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 04, 2000 9:21 AM
To: 'John.Veninger@cnacm.com'; 928oc@list.928oc.org
Subject: [928OC] Aftermarket Belt tension tool

Since I recently purchased one recently I can comment on the tool.  
The new timing belt tool is a recreation of the original twist tool 
produced by Porsche. The twist tool has been out of production for 
some time.  Jay Kemp got hold of the original and made a new version 
that performs the same function though different in appearance.  
It's small size makes it convenient to get into the tight confines 
of the belt area.  All you need to do is slide the tool onto the 
belt and twist.  When tension is correct, the tool will stop at 
the indicated window notch on the tool.  According to Jay the tool 
has been Beta tested by several member, who help to write and 
llustrate the instructions which, unlike Porsche, are clear and 
easy to follow.

My only comment to Jay was that it needs a travel pouch, so that 
you can keep it in your glove box.  It is an important tool for 
us 928 folks, whether you perform your own or have a mechanic do 
the work.  No more guessing or using fingers.

It works and it is cheap.  That does not happen very often. 

Ed B 



From: Greg Nichols [nichols@compuserve.com]
Sent: Monday, October 30, 2000 2:23 AM
To: 928
Subject: [928] t-belt tool

Jay,

I just bought one of your $50 t-belt tension gauge tools from 928
International.  Tried it out this weekend on a friend's '87 that had just
reached 2000 miles after having a new belt put on.  As might be expected,
the reading was a bit low, just outside the lower range.  So he adjusted the
tensioner about 1/4 turn and that placed the gauge right in the middle of
the range.

After using that other, high-dollar tool a few times I've got to say I like
yours a lot better.  It's nice to have a tool that:
1) Gives consistent readings from one try to the next
2) Gives consistent readings when being tried by two different people
3) Doesn't cause a sore back from hovering over the engine trying to get the
thing perfectly level, not touching anything, etc.

Simplicity is good.

Well Done,

+Greg Nichols
Alexandria, Virginia
'87 928S4, 5-speed, Venice Blue Metallic
Over 500 tips for your 928 at http://www.nichols.nu/tips.htm

"Contentment" is not getting what you want
It's wanting what you've got


From: Jay Kempf [jkempf@mail.tds.net]
Sent: Monday, October 30, 2000 8:03 PM
To: 928
Subject: [928] RE: t-belt tool

Wow Greg,

Thanks,

I was away from the computer for a few days (visiting Scott Mohr and family,
thanks for the hospitality) so this response is a little late.

Keep us all updated as the belt settles. The great thing about having a tool
is you can check it every 1k miles if you want.

Alot of people asked about using the new tool on an S4 and certainly that
was done for about a year before the tool was introduced but independant
verification is welcome and would give people good feedback. I am biased of
course so my opinion only counts like any manufacturers opinion that wants
you to buy their stuff.

Glad you are pleased and thanks again for the kind words.

Jay Kempf



From: Jay Kempf [jkempf@tds.net]
Sent: Thursday, December 07, 2000 10:45 AM
To: 928
Subject: [928] Re: Cambelt tensioner tool 9201

Thanks for the mention Ed R.,

To be a little more clear. The tool that I offer through 928 International
is a reproduction of the original Porsche Tool #9138 that was available from
Porsche until the introduction of the #9201 in the mid 80's. My update is
constructed slightly differently because of the manufacturing methods
selected but it was calibrated off of an original tool and compared during a
rather lengthy test period with the 9201. So yes, I did the detail design on
my version but credit for the concept has to go to Porsche for the concept.

Jay Kempf

PS My version is 100% 300 series stainless so it can go out of calibration
from corrosion.