Strange gauge..what was it used for? Thanks

[phillie]

I found this gauge in a tool chest I purchased. It is made by KENT MOORE ORGANIZATION INC JACKSON MI. J - 7316. It measues 4" tall, 6" including the plunger. The plunger moves the flat piece of metal at the bottom downward, then I guess you put whatever you are gauging between that and the round piece, because when you depress the round piece the gauge moves.

I think it is related to automotive work, but those tools are not my A game. Any help would be appreciated. I tried e-bay and google with no luck. Thanks

[RWalters]

Kent Moore makes automotive specialty tools. (Try googling Kent-Moore Tools). I believe that what you have here is a belt tension gauge. I found one site that listed a Kent-Moore J-07316-A Belt Tension Tool, but there was no picture to compare to yours. Per that site,  the J-07316-A is for GM products and lists at $135.50.  I found other Kent-Moore belt tension gauges that were similar in general design, but different from the one you posted. Hope this helps.

[phillie]

Thanks

[rusty]

Originally for adjusting the belt tension on the 400 cube Buick engine.
From the 1966 Overhaul manual:

[phillie]

Thanks Rusty

[phillie]

Thanks again for your help Rusty. I would have marked this 5.00 for a swap meet....I put it on e-bay and it sold for $57.00!!