Review on Gates 91107 Krikit V-Belt Tension Gauge, Black - Accurate Belt Tension Measurement Tool for Automotive Maintenance by Chris Cruz

I used this tool to adjust the belt tension on a Mercury 225hp outboard generator. When I hit the advertised 80 pounds. Tension, belt deflection met factory specs of 1/2" at 22 lbs. This tool is very easy to use. Simply place your index finger under the belt, placing the tool's pivot point (which is directly under your finger) right in the middle of the span of the belt and press down *SLOWLY* Release immediately when the tool clicks Lift the instrument and read the gauge The tool even has a lip on one side, stays in line with the belt. This tool is designed for V-belts up to and including 7/8" wide. Timing belt not. No synchronous belts. No serpentine straps. V-belt only. It works very well when used with the correct belts.* Alternator V-belts from the late 1990's and Mercury 3.0L outboards are known to fail if belt tension is not strictly maintained. That's probably why Mercury switched to a wider flat belt a few years later.