Hello there again,
Got more questions, this time timing belt. I was kind of pleasantly surprised that removing just two bolts reveals the timing belt. I was actually going to look at the spark plugs, but because my undiagnosed but apparent ADD, got marveled at the timing belt. Sorry the pictures are poor quality, but I was hoping if someone can identify if it is the original belt or not. Car has just about 98k on it, was regularly taken to the local inde (have the records) and sometimes to the dealer that I have no records from. The belt looks pretty smooth on the smooth side and has no apparent cracks or ware. What I am surprised with, is the amount of dust inside the timing belt housing, I guess it's designed to handle it?...
I was going to replace the timing belt, but if it can wait a bit longer I am all for it. Suggestions? Opinions?
Please

 

volvo recommends changing the belt @105,000 your only 7,000 miles from that....my suggestion would be to change the belt, idler pulley and the tensioner....why wait??? should you choose to wait and god forbid the belt go, your cost to replace the engine would then be in the neighborhood of $3,000 and upwards...you make the call I am changing my belt, bulley and tensioner as we speak nothing like peace of mind and not having to worry on the not "if" but "when" the belt will fail, after all they are just like any other belt and rott and stretch over time. I hope I have been of some help for you!

 

Yea, sure, thanks, i am using the same logic, just don't know if it's worth replacing. Again, i don't have complete set of records on the car and not sure if the all things you've mentioned have been replaced already. You know, some shops just to make a buck a little quicker can scare a consumer (especially previous owner a woman) into doing things way too early or unnecessary. Like I've heard from someone recommending timing belt at 60k or to replace the starter only because of age or the car amongst other things.

 

Alright,
you talk me into it
Really, what's the cost of the stupid belt kit compare to the hassle of fixing/replacing the engine.
I do have a few questions though regarding to what to buy.
I called dealer parts dep. told me timing belt kit with idler and tensioner is $167 very surprised that they don't charge three times as much.
Are these parts superior in performance compare to the all other OEM or not?
FCP - $216 non-Volvo, $299 - genuine Volvo (including all the seals)
Dealer - $350+ i am guessing because I did not as for the price of seals
Rock Auto - close to $300 again not sure about seals because i could not find all of them there.

So far FTP looks to be the best choice pricewise, again if Volvo parts are that much better maybe it's worth it. I know some people swear by original parts no matter what, but I can say from personal experience (not Volvo) that sometimes OEM does make a better then supposedly manufacturer parts. I think manufacturers getting their parts from the cheapest bidder at the time anyway.
Thanks!

 

what year is this to begin with? Are you going to tackle the seals yourself?

 

it's an 02 & yes will try very carefully and using proper tools from O'Rilley's unless there's some special tool and they don't have it.

 

I did not replace my water pump, I did get the genuine volvo parts for $129 from fcp groton I called them and told them I was member of this site and I received 10% off and free shipping even though my order wasn't over $150...I live in Delaware they are in Connecticut and I received my parts the next day how is that for being quick :-)) my local volvo dealer said that they rarely replace the water pumps on volvo's cause the original pumps are well made ...my belt had some major cracks in it that you could not see, so if I was a betting man I would say your belt is the same...my tensioner and idle pulley were fine as well but I did replace them to be on the safe side I also put in a new set of NKG platinum plugs and man o man my car purrring like a kitten and quicker than quick!!! I had a friend who is a mechanic do the work and paid $200 for labor so total all in was $329 compared to the $500-$600 the dealer wanted! good luck.....I would have changed the pump if it needed but again dealership said they really last and my friend said the pump was in really good shape so I would tell you not to spend the extra money unless you want to!!!1

 

Hey, thanks for the headsup about the water pump & if it wouldn't have been for the fact that I suspect that shop that serviced the car used regular green antifreeze I'd probably not bother with the water pump. This will be more for the piece of mind thing. Those pumps run about $50 anyway plus seals makes the kit a good value imo.
btw, what antifreeze you guys are using in this car, pentosin blue?
thanks as always,

 

if you place your order on monday, you should have your parts in a couple of days....depending on where you live, I ordered on a Monday had mine on a tuesday, fcp groton is very good at getting the items to the customer......As far as antifreeze goes, DO NOT USE A CHEAP antifreeze...spend a little more and get the best on the market which will give you better protection!!!!! spend a little more now and have years of enjoyment from your car! I am looking at getting an 2011 s60 and giving my 16 year old my 03 s60 she really love the car, it has 141,000 on it and I know it is a dependable car after having changed the belt and all it componets, as well as new plugs she would be good to go for awhile....I will never drive any other vehicle than a volvo....this is my second, and it's true what they say "DRIVE A VOLVO HOOKED FOR LIFE"

 

pentosin blue? sounds like power steering fluid to me.

Volvo coolant is blue though.