I was so thrilled to find this forum today. I just bought a used 2001 XC70 with 82k miles. I couldn't wait to check the timing belt as instructed in the pinned timing belt thread (both here and in the v70 forum). I believe I have the same cracking which indicates this needs to be changed immediately. When checking under the timing belt cover I noticed some pooling of motor oil on the head; not sure if this indicates a serious problem. I've attached a photo (along with a photo of my timing belt cracks). The cracks are faint but I'm assuming ANY cracking is a sign that the timing belt is in need of changing.

Secondly, the previous owner had installed a Nokia cell phone dock in between the instrument panel and the upper part of the center console. I'd like to remove it and got about half way there when I realized I'm going to need to pull the inner black cowling of the instrument panel out. I was temped to PULL but couldn't risk destroying my dash on the first day (unlike my 240 dash which came apart like legos). I sure do hate aftermarket gadgets like this. They even notched out an 1/8" of the instrument panel cowling to accommodate the cable assembly -- tragic. If anyone has any dash disassembly tips I'd love to hear 'em.

My timing belt cracking:



Some interesting oil pooling that might need some attention:



Aaron


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[IMG]local://upfiles/13975/6AC8A32FDB484561BC20656B7CC61E9F.jpg[/IMG]

 

Yes, change the timing belt, the tensioner and the idler pulley. While you are in there I would also change the serpentine belt, tensioner, and serpentine idler. I would also suggets changing the thermostat and radiator hoses as well.

As for the oil pooling, it could be something as simple as a blocked PCV hose. I would clean all the pooled oil up, and then check it again in about 2-3000 miles to see if it is pooled there again.

Good luck,

Glenn

 

Yes on the belt.
Oil cap seal might be bad as well

 

My local service shop, Sacramento Volvo Service, quoted me $700 for the timing belt change and said the labor is free on the serpintine belt change if done at the same time. They also said they would inspect the water pump. This shop has a very good reputation so I think I'm going to have it done in January. $700 is a small price to pay for another 80,000 miles of worry-free V70 travel. From most of the threads I've read this seems to be the going rate from an independent Volvo shop. I've heard that I can expect my local Volvo Dealer to charge twice that.

Any advice on the dashboard question? I will post a pic later. Perhaps that should be a separate thread. Should I post some of these minor interior issues in the V70 forum rather than the XC70 or do the moderators prefer I do them here? I'm still a bit confused as to the extent of interior differences between a V70 and an XC70.

Thanks again for your help.

Aaron

 

You can post it in this thread.
The only real difference between the V70 and XC70 is the outside and one is AWD and the other isn't.
Yes please post pics.