New 3D-Printed 944 Timing Belt Tensioner Tool

[impulse]

Ok, with thanks to NASA I think I am able to consistently print these in the Nylon Carbon Fiber. It's a 5 hour print, so pretty much one a day, but happy to print them for active Carpokeans. In the picture below, the top one is straight off the printer, and the bottom one was sand blasted and then treated with Griot's Garage Satin Black. It make zero difference to the functionality, but I just think it looks more 'finished' that way. @Mr. Toasty gets the first one, but if you want one in this material (and you do!), be sure to ask or remind me here, and PM me your address. This stuff is crazy strong.



tools.jpg

That looks pretty nice! I'm doing my belts now. Just at the tightening stage. I printed the tool in petg. Seems like strong enough. But it warped at the base. Not sure if that will affect the functionality. I wish I had a nicer printer to print exotic materials.

[funnsurfer]

Great idea. I will give it a try and print it in PETG. Thanks for sharing.

[Tom]

I've been getting feedback about this model wanting to warp, and have struggled with that myself when using the NylonX. So, I offer up the same model, but with a built-in power brim, complete with little re-bars to help stop any of the brim from pulling away from the bed near the tool itself. Print this file as-is without any brim or raft (just a one-line skirt if you need to pick something). For me, this has been very effective at preventing the tool itself from warping, even with the NylonX.

Carpokes 944 Tensioner with Power Brim.stl

carpokes tensioer with brim.jpg

[RussianOnWheels]

Commenting so I can download! Thank you.

[Burg131]

Very excited to give this a go on my upcoming timing belt project on my new-to-me 951!

[Paddy68]

This looks great, will be doing this job very soon so will give it a try.

Thank you so much!

[Tom]

Sent these two tools out today to @Mr. Toasty and @dkofearl. They are done in that carbon fiber Nylon and are clearly in a whole different league in terms of strength. With 50% infill and no screws, I tested one up to 12 ft lbs on the belt and it didn't even flinch. With the ABS at 100%, I needed to add the screws so the tool could safely withstand 7 ft lbs. Definitely consider NylonX or similar filament if you are printing your own. ABS/PETG/PLA etc., will all work, but this NylonX stuff is just cool. The alternate .stl I posted with the mega-brim built-in is perfect for these materials too.

2incf.jpg

[Mr. Toasty]

Can’t tell you how excited I am to try this! Thanks a million, @Tom! I’ll post up here with impressions, results, and a comparison with an early version of the Arnnworx tool

[dkofearl]

Thank you again, Tom, for your expertise and generosity. I will be doing belts, seals, and likely rollers/H2O pump on my ‘86 951 in the next couple of weeks, and will update you here also on the Arnnworx correlation. This is peace of mind for me, thank you. My son is driving the Turbo at the 944Fest and 9Fest HPDE weekend at Nelson Ledges Sept 2-4, and then Mid Ohio Sept 23-25. BTW do you have a PayPal account? Kind regards, Earl

[dkofearl]

Hi Tom. My new Carpokes tensioner just arrived a moment ago. It’s a real beauty—simple, sophisticated, and elegant. Heartfelt thanks. I noticed you used the reinforcing screws for good measure. I’ll keep you abreast of the install on the 951 as it progresses—awaiting belts/water pump and rollers.
Gratefully ,
Earl