Whats all this about the infamous belt tensioning tool P9201?
Because of the catastrophic nature of timing belt failure (valves being destroyed), there is very little room for error when tensioning the timing belts. The P9201 tool costs approximately $500, and it appears there is no alternative tool (the search for such a beast has become the holy grail of water cooler do-it-yourselfers everywhere). The 1987 and later cars have a built in tensioner for the timing belt. However, it is still recommended that the tool be used on the alternator and A/C belts. Some folks use the “by hand” tensioning method, this requires a good “feel” for how tight the belts should be but it’s your engine and your decision. As of 10/96, the cheapest price available on the P9201 was $425, available from Engine Builders Supply Co. (they are on the web). Average price is around $500. The tool should also be used to double check the self adjusters on 87 and later models (better safe than sorry…
