Replaced TB, problem adjusting mech tensioner
#1
Replaced TB, problem adjusting mech tensioner
I just finished replacing the timing belt, idler and mechanical tensioner on my 99 S70GLT with 99K miles. It was not that difficult, except for one thing - adjusting the tensioner. I had read many writeups of this job, and I never read about anyone having a big problem with the tensioner. For me, it was beyond b**ch, it was evil, I was ready to have the car towed, then I got it to adjust.
I used all Volvo parts from fcpgroton. The tensioner was Volvo made by INA in Germany, with the orange covering on the bearings. I tried 2 different ones and had the same problem with both.
I followed these instructions for tensioning
http://volvospeed.com/Repair/ManualTensioner.php
Hold the center bolt with 4 ft lbs tension, turn the hex wrench counter-clockwise which causes the indicator to move clockwise. Go past the right side of the window, then back to the center and tighten the center bolt.
The first time I did it, it worked, then I turned the crank a couple turns by hand, and it seemed to be too far to the right, so I loosened it and tried to readjust. Mistake! I tried dozens of times, using various tensions on the center bolt, and the indicator would not move. Finally it did and I set the adjustment. It's a little too far to the left, but I did not want to mess with it any more. After the first setting, I simply could not get the indicator to move for the longest time, I was ready to give up. Or buy a hydraulic tensioner maybe.
Has anyone else had a problem with it?
Is it not supposed to be adjusted more than once?
I used all Volvo parts from fcpgroton. The tensioner was Volvo made by INA in Germany, with the orange covering on the bearings. I tried 2 different ones and had the same problem with both.
I followed these instructions for tensioning
http://volvospeed.com/Repair/ManualTensioner.php
Hold the center bolt with 4 ft lbs tension, turn the hex wrench counter-clockwise which causes the indicator to move clockwise. Go past the right side of the window, then back to the center and tighten the center bolt.
The first time I did it, it worked, then I turned the crank a couple turns by hand, and it seemed to be too far to the right, so I loosened it and tried to readjust. Mistake! I tried dozens of times, using various tensions on the center bolt, and the indicator would not move. Finally it did and I set the adjustment. It's a little too far to the left, but I did not want to mess with it any more. After the first setting, I simply could not get the indicator to move for the longest time, I was ready to give up. Or buy a hydraulic tensioner maybe.
Has anyone else had a problem with it?
Is it not supposed to be adjusted more than once?
Last edited by bw77; 07-23-2009 at 04:10 PM.
#2
#3
Did you notice if the bad batch had the orange covering on the bearings, and the newer ones are blue as mentioned by tech in this thread?
https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-s70-33/timing-belt-tensioner-problem-32573/
https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-s70-33/timing-belt-tensioner-problem-32573/
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
volvamos
Volvo S70
6
07-03-2009 09:20 AM