[gopesh]

I have 1990 240 DL SW M47 . There is a sticker on fan shroud whith a picture of timing belt and "Byte Exchange ,Cambio,Austausch etc ) and 149 K written over it . So I assumed that at 149 K belt was exchanged . Now I am at 202K and am in a dilemma to change it or not . How important is to change the three seals and the tensioner. If I do not see any oil in the timing belt area them can I leave the seals . What about the tensioner .
Second I want to ask is the source of these components . Belt at volvo dealer is 25 $(still OK) but the seals are 16 $each and tensioner is 102$. .Which are another good source of belts . I was thinking about getting seals from fcpgrotten But then again if they are good do I need to risk with a non OEM part.
Last Question I want to ask is technique of restraining the harmonic balancer to loosen the crankshaft bolt. Lots of techniques are mentioned in FAQ and then there is $50 tool . Which tech can be safely applied to this model year car with manual transmission . 4th gear and e brake tech has been suggested but I wanted to get another openion before starting .

Thanks in advance
Regards
Gopesh

 

[RearWheelPaul]

Re: Timing Belt timing and methods (gopesh)

Quote, originally posted by gopesh »

... I assumed that at 149 K belt was exchanged . Now I am at 202K and am in a dilemma to change it or not .

Not much a a dilemma to me. The change interval is 50,000 miles. Sounds like you're due.

Quote, originally posted by gopesh »

How important is to change the three seals and the tensioner.

If the seals aren't leaking, don't bother changing them. If the tensioner spins smoothly (when removed) and the surface can be cleaned and isn't scored, you needn't replace it.

Quote, originally posted by gopesh »

I was thinking about getting seals from fcpgrotten

Trust me on this, you pay for what you get. Go with the Volvo parts.

Quote, originally posted by gopesh »

Last Question I want to ask is technique of restraining the harmonic balancer to loosen the crankshaft bolt. Lots of techniques are mentioned in FAQ and then there is $50 tool .

There's only one proper way, and a lot of really dumb ways (including those listed in the FAQ) to hold the crank. Buy the tool. It will pay for itself many times over.

Hope this helps,

 

[gopesh]

Re: Timing Belt timing and methods (RearWheelPaul)

Thank you for such a detailed reply .I have used throttle body modifications mentioned in the site of your book with good effects.
Regards
Gopesh

 

[Alaric]

Re: Timing Belt timing and methods (RearWheelPaul)

The change interval is really 50K miles?

I'll grant you that I'm no expert on timing belts (the only car I ever owned that had one was my 2.2L '85 Renault Fuego...loved the car, hated changing the timing belt), but that seems kinda low; most domestics recommend 60-70K, and newer cars up to 90K.

I'm not disputing the interval, I'm just wondering if it could be upped with the advances that have been made since the car was made in both the chemical composition and carcass contruction of aftermarket replacement belts (I've seen Goodyear, Gates, and Dayco stocked where I work, and there isn't a comparison. Gates is superior when it comes to timing belts).

 

[RearWheelPaul]

Re: Timing Belt timing and methods (Alaric)

Quote, originally posted by Alaric »

The change interval is really 50K miles?

50K miles/80K kilometers is the change interval for all B21, B23 and B230 engines, according to Volvo (owners manuals, factory manuals).

Quote, originally posted by Alaric »

I'm not disputing the interval, I'm just wondering if it could be upped with the advances that have been made since the car was made in both the chemical composition and carcass contruction of aftermarket replacement belts

I'm not sure if anybody is putting R&D dollars into timing belts for models that are at least 13 years old.

 

[Alaric]

Re: Timing Belt timing and methods (RearWheelPaul)

Quote, originally posted by RearWheelPaul »

...I'm not sure if anybody is putting R&D dollars into timing belts for models that are at least 13 years old.

I realize that; I was referring to the R&D advances in belt construction during the intervening years that some aftermarket manufacturers (Gates comes prominently to mind) incorporated into all of their belts.

 

[Greasemonkeyjoe]

Re: Timing Belt timing and methods (Alaric)

When I bought my car the guy had a ton of oil change records ect but no timming belt so I pulled the cover and what did I find after 18 years and 83k miles? The original belt. Granted it prob would have gone longer but why chance it a t belt takes less than 30 min to change and at $25 its not worth the aggrivation of a broken belt.
I agree with the purchase of the tool definately worth it if you don't have air and a gun. Nobody torques everything but there are a few things that are a must. Sometimes the cost of a little used tool seems high untill you account your time for breaking or stipping a bolt.

 

[MenardVolvo]

Re: Timing Belt timing and methods (RearWheelPaul)

I thought that in the later 240's Volvo changed the timing belt to one that lasted 75K miles? I will obviously take your word over others I have heard, given your expertise, I just thought I read that somewhere.

 

[Greasemonkeyjoe]

Re: Timing Belt timing and methods (MenardVolvo)

The white moters up to 2000 went every 70k except for the early 960. The new belts 2000 and up are supposed to go 105k Ive seen them make it to 105 but Ive also seen them go at 90