89 245 "Complete" T Belt-Tensioner, Water Pump Replacement

Post by **Volvo_240_Atari_2600** » 30 Jun 2011, 15:53

Hi,
I have a 1989 245 non turbo engine with automatic transmission at 265k miles
Located in Florida

Last time I had the T Belt/Water Pump replaced was at a Pep Boys in Orlando, Fl at 192k
I have all the needed OEM parts including a new Crank Pulley as it shows signs of wear and I may as well do it all.
However... This time I will replace the tensioner as well.

I've read the stored thread on the detailed "how to" on the T Belt replacement here on MVS.
My big question as it does notr explain in the thread nor in the repair books (Haynes) is how to replace the tensioner.

I've seen the details about inserting a tool between the spring and the tensioner.
My concern is what holds the pressure of the spring (compressed?) in order to r&r the tensioner.

I did the complete T Belt replacement on my wife's old v70 some time ago using MVS's detailed how to. It went well and I used a CAM LOCKING tool from IPDUSA.
My other question and concern is since there is no cam locking tool for these engines, is it possible to carefully remove and install the new belt without disturbing the cam or crank position?

Any help on this topic will be helpful.

Thank you
Eric

ed7 · Post by **ed7** » 30 Jun 2011, 18:59

It's a non-interference engine so you don't have to worry about locking the cam. Roll the crank to TDC #1 where the timing marks are aligned and start from there.
The tensioner is a spring loaded eccentric held by the center fastener. You'll have to pry this outward and tighten the nut to hold it while routing the belt. Loosening and tightening the tensioner nut will set it in place.
Before removing the old belt, loosen the tensioner nut and pull or push on the belt. You'll see the tensioner move and understand it's action better. Reloading the spring and tensioner takes a bit of concentration.
Ed

Post by **Volvo_240_Atari_2600** » 01 Jul 2011, 17:11

ed7

Thank you for your reply.
I read about the manual positioning of TDC #1in the archives.

My concern though is how tricky is it to replace the tensioner?
I have a new one and would like to replace it but I am worried about getting it back into place with that spring.

Aside from the drill bit or pick that the "how to" tells us to do when replacing the belt only.
My fear is will that spring shoot out like a projectile once the tensioner is removed?
What about getting the both back in?
the 5 cyl engiun, although leaves you with less working room, the tensioner r&r is actually simple.
Or am I looking at this with so much caution that it really is not as tough as it appears?

Thanks
Eric

Have a safe 4th of July

Post by **Volvo_240_Atari_2600** » 17 Jul 2011, 07:55

Sorry to bump my own thread...

I am not just replacing the water pump and timing belt but I am also (replacing) the tensioner.
The repair database here only covers (the special) tool scenario with the timing belt replacement and (keeping) the existing tensioner by just loosening it.

My fear, since I never did a t-belt on the 240 engine is "What tension is on that spring?"
I am afraid that if I simply remove the tensioner, I may not be able to re-install the new one I purchased without any kind of special tool or procedure to compress the spring.

Does anyone know what needs to be done as far as physically removing and replacing the tensioner?

Thanks
Eric

Post by **Volvo_240_Atari_2600** » 19 Jul 2011, 06:10

ed7 wrote:Reloading the spring and tensioner takes a bit of concentration.
Ed

Bump again...

Does anyone know about reloading the spring? I will be replacing my old tensioner with a new one and need to know first hand if anyone had this experience aside from just replacing the t belt and how to go about it with any special techniques and or tools.

Thanks

Eric

Post by **Volvo_240_Atari_2600** » 30 Jul 2011, 14:14

Bump.
Anyone to add to this topic?

russellengineering · Post by **russellengineering** » 30 Jul 2011, 20:26

Hi Eric,

Check out this link. http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/faq/EngineS ... nsioner_PM. I get a lot of goodies from this site.

It has a nice writeup on the tensioner replacement. I am getting ready to pull this maintenance myself on my 940. A big set of pliers and a nail is all you need for the tensioner as far as I can see. I think this is the simple part of the belt replacement for you and I. Not passing out from dehydration in our driveways will be the harder part!

Good luck,

Dave

Post by **Volvo_240_Atari_2600** » 31 Jul 2011, 06:35

Dave,

Thank you for your reply to my thread and for including that link. I found it to share a little more detail than what I have read out there, especially pertaining to the actual R&R of the spring and tensioner which is what I am most concerned about in doing my T-Belt job.

Thanks again and good luck to you on your job as well and make sure you have lots of drinking water!

Eric