Sorry to jump in but my prejudice will help you.

>Woops - automatic transmission has no clutch.
Actually, automatic gearboxes do have internal clutches (several), except they are usually not replacement items.

>while looking around for parts I see things like "for engine 131035" and then other "131XXX" #'s - what in the world?

6-digit Engine VIN numbers. It should be on the label on the timing belt cover. Certain parts don't fit on certain engines according to the VIN number.

If you plan to keep your 850 more than 3 years, I wouldn't try to save money on parts. The extra 30% on OEM parts pays in a long run. Most OEM's on Volvo's are Swedish or German, but I can almost guarantee that you will experience catastrophic disaster, if you went for cheapo. Lately, many cheapos are made in countries where labour is cheap, you can probably guess which countries I'm referring to.

When doing the timing belt, the following should also be replaced:
1. Idler pulley (Continental, German)
2. Tensioner pulley (Continental, German)
3. Hydraulic tensioner damper cylinder (Febi/Aisin, German)
4. Water pump (though this one seems quite durable and may not need immediate replacement)

The belt and items 1 & 2 are available in one box of kit.

Otherwise, you've covered pretty much what your next engine needs. I would also replace pax-side engine mount (unless the indicator is still showing good), rubber parts, hoses, especially if you have leaky oil cooler hoses that connect to the radiator.

The following post may be of some use as well:

https://volvoforums.com/m_48928/tm.htm

Again, sorry to jump in but I hate seeing people having extra problems.

Good luck,


JPN

 

When I bought parts of the internet and took them to the independentVolvo shop they refused to do the work. Basically I had to buy the parts through them for them to work on my car, and I was buying OEM parts. Just getting a much better price. So, like tech said, you need to check with the mechanic working on your car about supplying him with parts. Sounds like he is giving you a real good price though on both labor and the motor.

 

Reading through some of the comments about what thetemperature gauge should do when engine oil is lost, theanswer is quite simple, the temperature gauge will do nothing.

The reason anengine has oilis to (1) reduce friction between bearing surfaces and (2)transfer heat away from those areas by convection.

If there is no oil then it is not possibleto transfer heat away from the heated area to cooler areas such as water jackets,and therefore the temperature gauge will not respond.

Also, without trying to cause any offence, the wordis seizes, not ceases or seazes.