So I dove in and changed the timing belt, water pump, tensioner, rollers and serp belt. I had to do the timing belt since there was no maint history from the previous owner. Not too bad of a job, I'd suggest it to anyone with pretty good mechanical skills. Spent 6 hours over the course of 3 days. The hardest part was getting the old gasket material off the water pump housing. Here's my suggestions after doing the job.

Buy the instructional video from IPD. It shows an the 850 engine out of the car which helps to see everything completely. Read the DIY info on the 850 forum completely. All the info you'll need is there.

Spend the money on the serpentine belt removal tool from IPD, made the job a piece of cake.

Get the parts suggested on this forum, they went in perfectly. I called IPD to make sure I was buying the correct timing belt since there are approx. 3 listed for the 850's. You'll need to provide them with your engine number posted on your timing belt cover.

You'll have to drain the radiator when changing out the water pump. Be careful with the plastic drain plug under the radiator. Mine broke off before ever coming out all the way. I used epoxy to seal it in so it wouldn't ever come out. It's easy enuf to drain the rad by popping off the lower hose.

So far this has been a very easy car to work on. I've already done the odo fix and the horn upgrade. Next is flushing the trans and adding a cooler. Anyhoo, c y'all later.

 

Good job, i'll get that tool before any work ensues.

 

IPD $29 plus shipping, or get it on Ebay. Search "volvo serpentine belt tool 4708" and it's under $20

While you have the belt off you should also service the tensioner. The manual recommends it be disassembled and greased every 30K.

OR ....... replace it with an aftermarket tensioner if it's getting loose and then it will work with a 1/2" breaker bar