Does anyone here have a practical "rule of thumb" for setting the proper drivebelt (not timing) tension? I do not have any type of gauge for it. Thanks for any advice.

Wow - hard to quantify now that I think about it.

 

I'd GUESS about 3/8-1/2 inch deflection on the longest run with decent pressure applied.

 

But others may have better guidance.

I don't know exactly how to describe it, but I have gotten a feel for what it takes for the soobs to not slip the belts. Just from starting out fairly loose, and having it squeal for a couple seconds at startup, then tightening it a little more etc.

 

If you are putting new belts, plan on needing to tighten them once or twice over the next few weeks. That way you don't have to tighten the heck out of them from the start. Overtightening is not good, I killed my PS pump once doing that.

 

Example for 2000 Outback...

Man, you've got pics or illustrations for eveything!

Thanks folks. That was fast, thorough and appreciated!