Hi, Looking for advice much like the young college student and his '98 c70 only this is '02 with 72k on it. Wondering if timing belt should be changed to allay my fears more than anything else. Recently, 1000 miles ago, transmission input sensor replaced. Any peculiarities for the c70's that would be inordinate cause for concern like electrical issues? Thanks for your help. Would like to maintain this vehicle for 5 years at least.... ( no icon for fingers crossed)

 

I have a 2001 C70 and all I can say is that it's a great car but it likes to be maintained.
The two most important things: Change the timing belt in the next 10.000 miles.
I did it with a friend and it is not that hard. I would take a picture of the serpentine belt cause there are tons of possibilities to get it back on there.

There are some links out there with pics like this one. This helped alot

http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/for...php?f=1&t=8803

We marked the thing down and did not use a camshaft locking tool and it worked great for us. That being sad, if you can get a hold of this tool you might wanna use it to be on the safe side. Marking worked just fine for us. No garantee!
We changed all the other parts like water pump etc. too. Make sure you clean the area before you put the new waterpump gasket on. It was a half a day work, if you do it the first time, but it's fun and straight forward. IPD sells a timing belt kit. In general this company often has good tutorials on their webpage too and they know Volvos! That's all they do.

Second but even more important with this model is maintaining the transmission. Change the fluid regularly that is key. (I'd say 15000 miles but here in Arizona I'd say every 1,5 years no matter what the mileage)

The link below has all you need to know about these transmissions. Howard's site is great. He has a V70 but the same transmission and most things are just the same in your car. Use the right transmission oil. I use Toyota's T-IV which is the same thing that Volvo uses they simply sell it a lot cheaper.
I pay around 6 dollars/quart with tax at the toyota dealer here in Phoenix.

If necessary you can also do replacements like the valvebody and repair the ETC sensor for a lot less if you DIY. It all depends how many nights you want to spend on the car and how many tools you have.

http://www.freewebs.com/howardsvolvos/driveline.htm

If you have any further questions let me know. I have researched so many aspects of the car so I can shorten up the search sometimes.

One thing you should know. If you are doing the right things now you might be able to avoid most things that people experience down the road. If you don't really love the car get a car where replacement parts are cheaper!

Howard has a good schedule of maintenance things that should be done. You should use it.

However by reading Howard's page you will find many things that can fail in this car in the next 50.000 miles and if you just want a convertible ride and don't care to much about the C70 itself you should think about a older car with less electronics and maybe a stickshift

Have a good night!

Max

 

I have heard that the biggest hedakes gives a electronic on theas cars but engin liws a long life.. so i think u shuld change that timig belt .. i know its expensive but beter now not later

 

Brought the timing belt/water pump kit from IPD. 3 hrs, 2 people to replace. Highly recommend for the 2.3HPT engine. Valve job for belt failure is at least $2,000!! Video & written instructions from IPD are consise and priceless! I got the complete kit because you don't want to back in there to replace the water pump & tensioner parts after belt replacement! Recommendatio on trans fluid real good advice!

1998,C70,2.3 HPT,Coupe,Auto,44k miles.