Timing Belt precautions!!

[tech]

I am writing this post because there has kind of been a little debate lately about timing belts and the service intervals. [/align]The post is to show why the timing belt should really be changed at about 70,000 miles instead of 105,000 like Volvo says it should be. [/align]Also Make sure you replace the tensioner and idler pulleys as well. [/align]I have some pics of belts I have replaced at work on cars. [/align]I have the belts from a few of the different models the milage will vary between 70K and 80K. You will see how the belts crack at that milage. [/align]I would not trust the belts like that on my own car. That's why I am making this post so that everyone is informed about the belts and what can happen if they break. [/align] [/align]I know not everyone has the money always to get the job done. I know how it is I have 4 kids and very little money. But the point I am trying to make is that it is better to pay between $700.00 to $800.00 or so. Rather than having to Junk the car or pay over $3000.00 to get the head rebuilt or replaced. Or maybe even more to have a new motor installed. [/align] [/align]I have my own theory on why they go bad faster on the 1999 and newer cars than on the older cars. [/align] [/align]I think it is because of how the timing covers are made. [/align]The older cars all the heat that gets to the timing belt only comes from the front of the motor. [/align] [/align]The 1999 and newer cars the timing cover are different because of having the VVT valve in the cam cover. That allows all the heat from the top of the motor to access the timing belt and add more heat to that area causing the belt to go bad faster. [/align] [/align]On the 1993 to 1998 5 cylinders and 1994 to 1998 6 cylinders the timing belts could last a lot long but I wouldn't trust them either. [/align]But that's my theory. [/align] [/align]Now onto the pictures the first batch will be the timing belt pictures with the model,year and milage that they were changed. [/align]Then the last batch of pictures will be an idler and tensioner pulley from a S80.(Not as bad as I wanted for an example picture but will work. [/align]Then finally a picture of an engine that had the belt break. [/align] [/align]This way everyone has an Idea of the entire situation. [/align]Then you can make your own decisions from here. [/align] [/align]The first belt is from a 2000 S80 with 72,623 miles [/align] [/align] [/align]The second belt is from a 2003 S40 with 73,746 miles [/align] [/align] [/align]The last one is from a 2001 V70 with 82,700 miles [/align] [/align] [/align] [/align]Here is a tensioner if you look closely in one spot you will see where grease started coming out of the bearing. [/align] [/align] [/align]Here is the idler same here both sides were spinning grease out. [/align] [/align] [/align]If your serpentine belt looks like this replace it I have seen them break as well and get sucked into the engine and break the timing belt as well. [/align] [/align] [/align]So there is my post the pics might not be the best but should help some. [/align] Sorry here is the pics of the head and block.

[eyukins]

WOW, the pics showing busted valves sitting on the pistons are scary!

What is the reasoning for Volvo using the rubber belt instead of a chain?

On the 1993 to 1998 5 cylinders and 1994 to 1998 6 cylinders the timing belts could last a lot long but I wouldn't trust them either.

[/align]But that's my theory.

This type of maintenance (t. belt and other) is acceptable for a car engineered over 10 years ago however, this is just not going to fly with customers anymore.
100,000 miles ain't what it used to be, it's barely broken in. Besides fluids, tires and brakes, most new cars go 100,000 miles before you have to lift the hood; even then it's just to change the plugs.

I know not everyone has the money always to get the job done. I know how it is I have 4 kids and very little money. But the point I am trying to make is that it is better to pay between $700.00 to $800.00 or so. Rather than having to Junk the car or pay over $3000.00 to get the head rebuilt or replaced. Or maybe even more to have a new motor installed.

Volvo wants its customers to dish out 700 or 800 bucks on a timing belt at 80,000 miles?!!
And if they don't; the valves might crash into the pistons and blow the engine!


Volvo should cover this maintenance at 80,000 miles; free of charge for all model years 2000 and newer.
Today's consumer is not going to buy another Volvo if the engine blows on his 2002 s80 before it hits 150000 miles.
He is going to trade it in on a Hondaand never look back. Meanwhile telling everybody the story of how the engine blew because a "belt" broke.

Anyway, thanks for the advice tech. It is taken seriously.

[petrenyc]

This is hugely helpful to know -- thank you! I've got 102K miles on my V70 and won't wait around for 105K ...

[PE**2]

I have replaced the timing belt on my 1993 850 GLT every 50,000 per Volvo. The 1993 2.5L engines had a narrow timing belt than the 1994 and later. The car has +240,000 miles and when my daughter lets me, I still enjoy driving it. I bought it new 1993 as my company car. I just can't give it up. It still looks great and drive great.

[hfbcballa]

This is good advice, my Houston mechanic (Southwest Automotive Volvo Specialists) recomends having the Timing Belt changed at 80,000 since they have seen several break before the Volvo recomended time.
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[cody]

I have a 2000 V70 crosscountry and it has 123,000Km or about 78,000 Miles and had my mechanic check it and it is done. How can Volvo recomend 160,000 Km or 110,000 Miles when so many belts wear out prior to that???????????????

[98v70]

Probably to cut down the maintenance cost on paper to appeal buyers. The belt probably will last to the recommended 110k miles or whatever it is but Tech was onlyinforming us ofthe condition they could be at a certain milage. The ultimate decision will be you the owner. Thanks for the heads up Tech.

[HummerGuy]

Hey tech; what percentage of Volvo's you have worked on would you estimate the timing belt has given out before the recommended replacement? What is the typical cost of replacing a timing belt on a '01 V70 2.4 non-turbo?

[tech]

About 20% and about $400.00 to $600.00 depends on alot of things.

[lotusing]

I have a 99 v70 non-turbo w/134,000 and it was done at 112,000. I drive 4k a month all hi-way 70mph.I never race the engine.How long can I go?