http://info.rockauto.com/getimage/getimage.php?imageurl=http%3A%2F%2Finfo.rockauto.c om%2FGates%2FKrikitVBeltTensionGauge.jpg&imagekey=101690-0&width=450

I changed the cam belt on my 3.5 but in my haste didn't take much notice of the tension on the outside ancillary belts.
Did them up as I though they should be. lol Lots of belt noise resulted, sounded like the exhaust system was rattling. Tightened them up yesterday and the engine sounds good, no flappy belt noises.

Question: Anyone have or use a tool like the one above? Can't quite see how it would work.
I'm considering getting one so that the belts are right tension wise, as per the manual. Don't want the belts to break or the bearings to shag out quick smart. Side of the road change would be a pain and a towtruck would cost more than the tensioner, as well as any possible damage a flapping belt might do.

Here's a similar tool and instructions...http://www.morbark.com/Service/belttension.pdf

The one you have pictured I believe you lay it on the belt flat, and in the middle of the belt, and push down on the guage with your finger until you take up the belt slack and then read off the gauge markings. See picture included at this web site HERE (http://www.prestolite.com/pgs_training/training_3.php)

Looks simple enough. Must shop around a bit more before I buy one of those tools.

I think I need one too....found this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQbrHdW9RmY and on Ebay they sell these for $20 plus $10 post from NZ......wonder if the wife would let me borrow the kitchen scales and I modify them?.

Yes, I saw that one/looks a bit flimsy. Above picture is from rockauto.com, $35 landed. Gates brand.

Searched for the one you mention (ain't easy!)...found what I think is the one you mention:

Krikit Serpentine Belt Tension Gauge; 100-320 lbs
Designed for tensioning V-ribbed belts on passenger cars, light trucks, heavy trucks and buses. Bright green pressure pad and indicator arm. Calibrated to measure tension from 100 to 320 lbs., and 50 to 150 kg. Measure belts up to 8 ribs in width.

The workshop manual gives some numbers for tensioning the belt - meaningless to me as there is no reference, so I too cannot figure out how they work or how you interpret the official figures.

It would be nice to have something that, like a tension wrench, told you when you had adjusted something to the correct setting.

EDIT...found this at an Australia site: http://www.gates.com/australia/brochure.cfm?brochure=7426&location_id=11318

EDIT No 2 the tool in use: http://books.google.com.au/books?id=mNIhYSCBfmUC&pg=PA401&lpg=PA401&dq=adjusting+v+ribbed+belts&source=bl&ots=Ed0VuCT1PH&sig=49yP19eY5wBMU_2chMXHXuYXXEE&hl=en&ei=enkxTYu7NYmcvgPKismwCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBUQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=adjusting%20v%20ribbed%20belts&f=false

Gates 91107 is the right one for the 3.5 belts. Tomorrow I'm going to check if the local car parts places have anything similar or can get one, and how much. If not, I will get one from rockauto.com, its cheap enough.

When I changed my belts I just hung a 10kg weight from the belt and measured the difference with a ruler, works for me.

When I changed my belts I just hung a 10kg weight from the belt and measured the difference with a ruler, works for me.

Can you advise what deflection the 10kg weight needs please.

It's different for each belt. The manual has it along with the position to add the weight and meassure from. 10kg is the same as 100 newtons.

It's different for each belt. The manual has it along with the position to add the weight and meassure from. 10kg is the same as 100 newtons.

Thanks...will check the manual.