Timing Belt Broke
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Timing Belt Broke
1994 850 (non-turbo) wagon, completely rust-free and in close to pristine condition (couple of small things could be done) and much appreciated by us and wanting to save car but lacking discretionary funds. Car was moved 20' and re-parked other day then wouldn't start a few hours later, merely turning over endlessly.
First thought was 'lawnmower syndrome' but assured by service garage not so, that instead they found the timing belt hanging!!! Cost to replace that alone is more than we're eager/able to spend. Then there's the issue of valve damage and what that would cost to repair.
NOTE: Have very recently replaced ball joints, control arms, complete braking system (front only but everything there) at a cummulative cost over $2K.
Questions:
1/ Engine 'probably' was not under load when belt went. Cannot guarantee that though. What is probability of valve damage?
2/ Have been told cost of belt and kit replacement installed is $1K. Have also been told if valves damaged, rebuild cost an additional $2K+. Is there some way to determine with certainly that valve damage is not present without spending hundreds to have service garage dismantle engine heads?
3/ Cannot afford that cost so despite passion for vehicle, is it time to surrender?
Caught between that rock and hard place. Need vehicle urgently (elderly parent needing constant assistance) but cannot afford replacement or extensive repair to this.
Sure could use some wise advice.
Many thanks for any!
First thought was 'lawnmower syndrome' but assured by service garage not so, that instead they found the timing belt hanging!!! Cost to replace that alone is more than we're eager/able to spend. Then there's the issue of valve damage and what that would cost to repair.
NOTE: Have very recently replaced ball joints, control arms, complete braking system (front only but everything there) at a cummulative cost over $2K.
Questions:
1/ Engine 'probably' was not under load when belt went. Cannot guarantee that though. What is probability of valve damage?
2/ Have been told cost of belt and kit replacement installed is $1K. Have also been told if valves damaged, rebuild cost an additional $2K+. Is there some way to determine with certainly that valve damage is not present without spending hundreds to have service garage dismantle engine heads?
3/ Cannot afford that cost so despite passion for vehicle, is it time to surrender?
Caught between that rock and hard place. Need vehicle urgently (elderly parent needing constant assistance) but cannot afford replacement or extensive repair to this.
Sure could use some wise advice.
Many thanks for any!
Last edited by GregsAn850Guy; Oct 3, 2015 at 10:58 AM.
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1: Very likely.
2: That is a rip off. Timing belt kit is about $200. Labor to install is usuallu about 2 hours on that. However, since it needs to be re-timed, you're looking at more around 4 hours. Still not close to $1000. As for checking valves, you can try an inspection camera. Otherwise, gotta re-time it and check compression and cylinder leakage if it won't start.
3: Sounds like it.
2: That is a rip off. Timing belt kit is about $200. Labor to install is usuallu about 2 hours on that. However, since it needs to be re-timed, you're looking at more around 4 hours. Still not close to $1000. As for checking valves, you can try an inspection camera. Otherwise, gotta re-time it and check compression and cylinder leakage if it won't start.
3: Sounds like it.
1994 850 (non-turbo) wagon, completely rust-free and in close to pristine condition (couple of small things could be done) and much appreciated by us and wanting to save car but lacking discretionary funds. Car was moved 20' and re-parked other day then wouldn't start a few hours later, merely turning over endlessly.
First thought was 'lawnmower syndrome' but assured by service garage not so, that instead they found the timing belt hanging!!! Cost to replace that alone is more than we're eager/able to spend. Then there's the issue of valve damage and what that would cost to repair.
NOTE: Have very recently replaced ball joints, control arms, complete braking system (front only but everything there) at a cummulative cost over $2K.
Questions:
1/ Engine 'probably' was not under load when belt went. Cannot guarantee that though. What is probability of valve damage?
2/ Have been told cost of belt and kit replacement installed is $1K. Have also been told if valves damaged, rebuild cost an additional $2K+. Is there some way to determine with certainly that valve damage is not present without spending hundreds to have service garage dismantle engine heads?
3/ Cannot afford that cost so despite passion for vehicle, is it time to surrender?
Caught between that rock and hard place. Need vehicle urgently (elderly parent needing constant assistance) but cannot afford replacement or extensive repair to this.
Sure could use some wise advice.
Many thanks for any!
First thought was 'lawnmower syndrome' but assured by service garage not so, that instead they found the timing belt hanging!!! Cost to replace that alone is more than we're eager/able to spend. Then there's the issue of valve damage and what that would cost to repair.
NOTE: Have very recently replaced ball joints, control arms, complete braking system (front only but everything there) at a cummulative cost over $2K.
Questions:
1/ Engine 'probably' was not under load when belt went. Cannot guarantee that though. What is probability of valve damage?
2/ Have been told cost of belt and kit replacement installed is $1K. Have also been told if valves damaged, rebuild cost an additional $2K+. Is there some way to determine with certainly that valve damage is not present without spending hundreds to have service garage dismantle engine heads?
3/ Cannot afford that cost so despite passion for vehicle, is it time to surrender?
Caught between that rock and hard place. Need vehicle urgently (elderly parent needing constant assistance) but cannot afford replacement or extensive repair to this.
Sure could use some wise advice.
Many thanks for any!
Thread Starter
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 8
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Dear ES6T
Many thanks for this, although obviously not what I wanted to hear as confirmation. FYI, I'm in Canada, which means everything costs at least one third more based merely on US/CDN currency exchange (before tariffs, duties and taxes) and auto service rates are $100/hr across the board up here, so perhaps the quote I was given is appropriate. The kit from (presumably) Volvo Canada is $650 apparently. The service garage is the neighbourhood specialist and has saved me any number of times, so I'm inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt. Having said that, thank you for the cautionary comments!
This is a catastrophic incident for us due more to timing in the short term but that's what matters right now. Real shame about the thousand$ put into this car in the past few weeks only for this to occur, especially when it is in such exemplary condition otherwise. We are heartbroken having owned a 240 and a P1800 previously as well but particularly happy with this car and its broad usability (i.e. walkers, wheelchairs). This car is wonderful in every way except for this sudden (and premature) timing belt failure.
Thank you again for your valued input,
I am also 6T+
Many thanks for this, although obviously not what I wanted to hear as confirmation. FYI, I'm in Canada, which means everything costs at least one third more based merely on US/CDN currency exchange (before tariffs, duties and taxes) and auto service rates are $100/hr across the board up here, so perhaps the quote I was given is appropriate. The kit from (presumably) Volvo Canada is $650 apparently. The service garage is the neighbourhood specialist and has saved me any number of times, so I'm inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt. Having said that, thank you for the cautionary comments!
This is a catastrophic incident for us due more to timing in the short term but that's what matters right now. Real shame about the thousand$ put into this car in the past few weeks only for this to occur, especially when it is in such exemplary condition otherwise. We are heartbroken having owned a 240 and a P1800 previously as well but particularly happy with this car and its broad usability (i.e. walkers, wheelchairs). This car is wonderful in every way except for this sudden (and premature) timing belt failure.
Thank you again for your valued input,
I am also 6T+
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