Perkins — Drive belts - to check and to adjust tension
Maintenance · Alternator drive belts
From a Perkins service manual — check it applies to your exact model before use.
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Before you start
- The belt tension must be checked again after the first 1000 km (600 miles) or 20 hours of operation.
Procedure
- Check the belt(s) for wear and damage and renew if necessary; if twin belts are fitted renew both.
- Check the belt tension at the centre of the longest free length with a tensioner gauge.
- Correct tension with a Burroughs gauge is 355 N (80 lbf) 36 kgf; adjust if as low as 220 N (50 lbf) 22 kgf.
- If no gauge is available press the belt with the thumb; correct deflection is 10 mm (3/8 in) with 45 N (10 lbf) 4,5 kgf.
- Loosen the pivot fasteners of the alternator and the fasteners of the adjustment link.
- Move the alternator to give the correct tension and tighten the fasteners.
- Check the belt tension again.
Tools required
- Belt tensioner gauge (Burroughs) Amazon
Tool links are Amazon searches (affiliate links); manufacturer special tools may only be available from a dealer.
Specs & values
- 355 N (80 lbf) 36 kgf
- Deflection 10 mm (3/8 in) at 45 N (10 lbf) 4,5 kgf
Source: Perkins service manual. Steps and values are as documented; always cross-check against the official manual and any later revisions for your exact serial number before servicing.