Hello Everyone,

I recently bought a '89 740 GLE 16-Valve with 240k.The car is in very good shape,two previous owners,looks like it has been very well taken care of.

-I am planning on getting the timing/balance shaft belts replaced right away(peace of mind thing).I'm wondering if you can help me out with a few things.I am somewhat mechanically inclined but don't plan on doing this myself but I want to be up to speed on whatI'm being told from mechanics and parts places.
I have sourced out after market belts and they are a lot cheaper than Volvo original replacement belts and I have been told by one mechanic that I have to buy the belts from Volvo because there is 'marks' that are needed for installation and that aftermarket belts don't have these.Anyone have any opinions on this advice?

-I have researched and from what I have found out my car has a mechanical tensioner,true?
(it changed to or from hydraulic around '89-'90?)

-I also plan on replacing the oil pump pulley bolt with one from Volvo and doing a close inspection on the pulley itself.I have read a couple stories online where these bolts fail with the new tension on the new belt,what do you think,should I just go ahead and change out the pulley too?

-Is there anything else I should be looking at once I get a mechanic in there?

My main reason for posting to you people is that in the last 45 mins.I have got quotes for $1500/$900/$500 Can. The guy with the $500 quote told me about the 'marks' on the Volvo belt,none of the others(including a couple places I sourced parts) never mentioned the difference in belts except for price
Volvo Belts-Timing $120 Balancer Belt-$212
After Market Belts-Timing $46 Balancer Belt-$69

Canadian Dollars

I look forward to any input you can give me and any advice in regards to my 'new' car.

Thanks!

 

The marks make it easier but they aren't necessary. I have used goodyear gatorback belts (I think they cost me about $20 at autozone) I line everything up BEFORE I take the old belt off. The marks are easy on the volvo. On other cars that were not so easy to see I put small paint marks on the edge of the old belt and then transfered these to the new belt by counting teeth. If you do it yourself check the tensioner it should be smooth with no evidence of rust around the bearing seal. If it is not smooth replace it.The special wrench makes it easier to get the bottom pulley/balancer off.