In a car repair shop, the tension of the V-belt is checked on a cold engine using a special tool (El. 346-04). In this case, the pressure of the tool pusher on the V-belt between the V-belt drive pulleys is 30 Nm and the belt deflection is measured. Without a tool, you can measure the belt deflection with a ruler by pressing on it with your finger.
| Engine | Measurement location | Measuring instrument | By pressing a finger |
| 1.4 liter (C3J) | On top between the generator and coolant pump pulleys | 4 mm | 4-6 mm |
| 1.7/1.8 liter and diesel (F3N/F3P/F8Q) without servo drive | On top between the generator and coolant pump pulleys | 4-5 mm | 4-6 mm |
| 1.7/1.8 liter and diesel (F3N/F3P/F8Q) with servo drive | On top between the generator and coolant pump pulleys | 4-5 mm | 4-6 mm |
| 16-valve engine (F7P) | On top between the generator and coolant pump pulleys | 3-5 mm | 3-6 mm |
1. On this type of engine, at the longest section, between the two V-belt pulleys, press on the V-belt with your finger.
2. If your Renault 19 is equipped with a power steering gear and/or air conditioning, then instead of a regular belt, it is equipped with a ribbed V-belt, which is held by a tension roller at the required tension.
3. When tensioned correctly, the belt should deflect a maximum of 6 mm, see table above.
4. Also, if the V-belt is correctly tensioned, you should check whether the generator tension bolt and the nut on the pivot support and, accordingly, the tension roller are tightened well.
V-belt tension
It is much easier to check the tension (arrow) and condition of the ribbed V-belt on some engine types (in the picture, an "F" engine with a power steering gear) after removing the right wheel arch cover.
To do this, of course, you need to remove the wheel.
1 - crankshaft pulley;
2 - coolant pump pulley;
3 - servo pump pulley.
Damage to the V-belt or ribbed V-belt (here in a 1.7-liter engine with power steering) sharply reduce its service life. Therefore, when disassembling, work without using tools if possible. After loosening the nut of the pivot support "1" and the adjusting bolt "2", swing the tensioner "3" and pull the belt onto the pulleys by hand. You can temporarily check the tension of the V-belt with your finger (shown by arrow), see table above.
1. Engine type "C": loosen the mounting bolt in the groove of the adjustment bracket.
2. Loosen the generator pivot support mounting bolts.
3. Insert a powerful screwdriver or crowbar between the generator and the engine.
4. Press the generator away from the engine while tightening the mounting bolt in the groove of the adjusting bracket.
5. Engine type "F" (standard design): loosen the tensioner and swivel support mounting bolt.
6. Loosen or tighten the V-belt tensioner bolt until the correct belt tension is achieved.
7. Tighten the pivot support bolt and tensioner mounting bolt.
8. Engine type "F" (power steering or air conditioning): loosen the tension roller center nut so that the tension roller can be moved in the adjustment groove.
9. Press the tension roller inward with a small pry bar until the required V-belt tension is achieved.
Note: Suggestion: After tensioning the V-belt, run the engine briefly and check the belt tension again; adjust tension if necessary. For accurate measurement, place a ruler from pulley to pulley.