Gauging belt tension? do you have a belt tension gauge?

[flyaway]

So... I have a question that for all the mechanics out there is probably pretty basic but....

The van's squeeling quite a bit on starting and a bit at idle when its warm. I am pretty sure that this is one of the belts and I'm hoping to retension it without taking it in. I've got the repair manual and have done some reading on how to get at the belt tensioning bolts but I don't know the best way to figure out which belt needs to be tightened and how much to tighten it without at belt tension gauge.

I guess my question is there an intuitive/easy way to determine which belt is loose and how do I tighten it to spec without over tensioning (I've searched the forum but really only seems to be info on getting at the alternator belt tensioning bolt).

Does anyone have a belt tension gauge? (I tried Cad. tire, napa and lordco)

Ciao

[yojimbo]

I push it with my finger. Belts don't stretch much I dont think, so, if it moves a bit, 1/2", then stops, it's good.

[flyaway]

thanks, everything went well. ended up tightening the alternator belt (without gauge), by reaching way up inside from below with a crescent wrench. the squealing is gone now, so that seems to have been successful.

[scohar]

re belt tension gauge, I find a straight edge (on 2 pulleys) and a metal rule the best, more than 15-30mm push is too much.