Hello everyone. Recently became the owner of a 1995 960 with only 64k on it. A few minor problems I hope to get straightened out. Needs just a little work. I'll try to help with whatever I can.



1995 Volvo 960
64k miles

 

Hi Curley, welcome to VolvoForums.

I got a low mileage 960 once, it was 11 years old and only had 53,000 miles on it.

Since the car is SO OLD and likely has NEVER had a timing belt replaced (unless you know otherwise), I recommend you not start or drive the car anymore until you replace the timing belt, water pump, idler, tensioner rollers, and maybe even the tensioner. Here are instructions that will guide you through the process:

Timing belt replacement instructions on a 1997 Volvo 960

If the timing belt or any of the parts in it's path break it will destroy the motor. I have read and spoke to many sad people that experienced that fate. If you have proof that the belt was replaced, good deal. At 18 years you really need proof that all parts have been replaced.

 

It says to change the timing belt at 70k which is coming up but given the lower-than-average mileage I was planning on changing it soon. I've put 800 miles on the car already and the motor runs good for the most part.. occasional shake at idle and the notorious fuel rail leak. Is it like a definite to change the pump and rollers or can it wait?

 

belt is many years old regardless of the miles......as mentioned do not drive this car until belt is changed as MAJOR damage could occur to this low-mileage prize of yours.

 

Welcome to the forum.

I hope the timing belt gets changed soon.

JPN

 

Welcome from another new 960 owner, except mine has 170,000 more miles on it Thats a heck of a low mileage car you found.

 

Well, if you read my link, I changed my belt at 60,000 and had to redo the job at 87,000 because the water pump was leaking and the idler roller was siezed up. As a person that has had 3 960's and many other Volvo's, I DO recommend you replace everything in it's path. Even my tensioner was leaking. I have 2 good tensioners if you'd like to have one real cheap. These things have 2 change schedules, miles and time. Time is the enamy of that car. A water pump with 200,000 miles on it that is only 7 years old has a better chance of lasting another 70,000 miles than one with 60,000 miles that is 18 years old. That pump as been stressed with that belt for 18 years.

Just my opinion...

 

Welcome to the forum. +1 on the timing belt. Since you have to take the water pump off and everything else associated with the timing belt it makes more sense to do all of them at once instead of having to go in and do the water pump the next year or two.

 

Thats great advice and a fantastic link. On a side note of this, Would you recommend a Volvo dealer supplied parts or would a timing belt set from IPD be equal in quality and durability?

 

I've never used IPD so I am not sure, but they seem to sell Volvo OEM kit & upgraded kits.

When in doubt, you can go with FCP Groton; an on-line vendor (sponsor for this forum) that sells Volvo OEM parts at discount prices. I used to buy parts from them for my 850 and was always happy with their services.

JPN