I am getting ready to change the timing belt on my 2004 C70 HPT. Since it has the variable valve timing hub on the exhaust camshaft I am thinking of purchasing one of the special hold tools that attaches to the back of the engine. Does anyone here know if I use this tool it is still necessary to try to find and align the timing marks on the camshafts and crankshaft?

Here is a link to the tool: Volvo Camshaft Locking Tool CTA 120980 2864, 9995452, 5452, 5452-1, 9995452-1, 99954521 2864

 

If you're just changing the belt, that isn't necessary. But if you use it, it only fits one way. The marks will be aligned.

 

Spent quite a bit of time tonight slowly rotating the crank (with old belt still in place) and could not find any timing marks on the camshaft gears. My engine is the one that has the cvvt hub on the exhaust side only. Is it possible that there are no marks?

 

Doubt it. I've done hundreds of timing belts, never saw one with no marks.

 

Thanks. I went back with a much brighter flashlight and found the marks. I highlighted them with a silver pen so they will be easier to find the next time. There is a bunch of stuff on the back of the motor (under the torque rod mount thingy) that it looks like I am going to have to remove to access the exhaust side cam plug.

 

If I already have found the marks is there any reason to lock the cams? Or do I just remove the belt and put the new back on making sure the marks still line up?

 

Line up marks then just replace the belt!

 

So no need to install the locking thing in the back of the motor as long as keep things lined up? Will the CVVT hub move when I remove the belt?

 

Like I said, there is no need to use the locking tools when just replacing the belt. If the CVVT hub moves, just move it back.

 

Thanks, there is so much conflicting, confusing information out there.

 

Thanks for the advice. Just finished the job and went for a ride. All seems to be ok. Once I found the marks (not easy with my old eyes), I highlighted them with a silver pen and made corresponding marks on the new belt.

 

I have also done numerous timing belt replacements.

The volvo I did in December 2013 was a 5 cylinder turbo engine type.
The cams don not have key ways to accept the front cam pulleys.There was no timing marks on the cam pulleys.

I firstly removed the crankshaft front pulley by removing the four bolts that attach to the rear cam pulley that in on the crankshaft thus leaving back the small cam pulley still attached to the engine crankshaft. I then found the timing mark on the crank pulley and engine block and had them aligned.

I made my own reference marks on the camshafts and the belt pulleys.
I then removed the old belt and counted the teeth to make sure the replacement belt had the same amount of teeth.
I replaced the belt and put the tensioner back into position after adjusting the belt. I then turned the engine manually and noticed that it was catching at some point.

I immediately aligned the cam marks again and noticed that the bottom mark had moved 1 tooth away. I realigned the bottom and reinstalled everything. I then turned the engine and found that the engine turned smoothly 1 complete revolution.
The moral here is that if you can align the bottom crank mark and lock the engine at the bellosing,there wont be ant snags.