What to look for

J_Guynn · Post by **J_Guynn** » 04 Apr 2005, 06:19

This coming weekend I'm going to look at a 98 V70 Turbo/Automatic with roughly 75K miles. This is my first time looking over a Volvo, is there anything I should specifically look for? Any real gotchas?

One thing I'm not sure of is if there's any way to tell visually of the timing belt has been changed. I figure with 75K miles it's either been changed or needs it but I'd like to know one way or another.

A little background on myself, I'm a "shadetree mechanic" and a hot rodder. My other cars are a 2001 Pontiac Firehawk and a 1988 IROC 5.7L. This V70 will replace my 1997 GMC Yukon.

Thanks for any help,

John Guynn

Post by **dosbricks** » 04 Apr 2005, 14:10

'98 was a good year. In '99 they switched to an electronic throttle which has had many failures.

If the T-belt was changed at a dealer, there should be a little sticker on the cover recording the mileage.

Check to see if it is engine #1266128 or above. If so, it has a mechanical tensioner that should be changed with the T-belt at 70k. The engine type and serial# are on a sticker on the T-belt cover. If it is 1266127 and below the tensioner is hydraulic and good for 140K.

For more info see this thread:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/chat/p ... php?t=2994

Post by **tina** » 04 Apr 2005, 17:53

I just bought a 1-owner 98 S70 and I'm loving it. The main thing I have learned to look for with any Volvo is *maintenance records*! Make sure someone took care of it and it will last you much much longer! THere are many DIY things to keep up with on the Volvos to keep them in top shape, and if neglected can lead to expensive problems - like timing belt change, flame trap cleaning which if neglected can lead to pressur eincrease and leaks etc.

A great site for DIY tips is www.volvospeed.com

I have learned to only buy 1 or 2 owner cars that have all the records to prove maintenance was done at the recommended intervals. I saw lots of nice-looking car for sale and passed on them because the person didn't know what I was talking about when I asked if they ha the timing belt replaced, or they didn't have records to show what had been done. To me that just seems ridiculous how can you take care of a car if youdon't keeo track of when things were done?

BTW the 1998 is a good year for the car because apparently the 99 and up have an electronic throttle that has been giving problems and is expensive to repair. Other than that is you check out the usual items like oil leaks, general condition of belts and hoses, etc you should be good.

Post by **tina** » 04 Apr 2005, 17:53

I just bought a 1-owner 98 S70 and I'm loving it. The main thing I have learned to look for with any Volvo is *maintenance records*! Make sure someone took care of it and it will last you much much longer! THere are many DIY things to keep up with on the Volvos to keep them in top shape, and if neglected can lead to expensive problems - like timing belt change, flame trap cleaning which if neglected can lead to pressur eincrease and leaks etc.

A great site for DIY tips is www.volvospeed.com

I have learned to only buy 1 or 2 owner cars that have all the records to prove maintenance was done at the recommended intervals. I saw lots of nice-looking car for sale and passed on them because the person didn't know what I was talking about when I asked if they ha the timing belt replaced, or they didn't have records to show what had been done. To me that just seems ridiculous how can you take care of a car if youdon't keeo track of when things were done?

BTW the 1998 is a good year for the car because apparently the 99 and up have an electronic throttle that has been giving problems and is expensive to repair. Other than that is you check out the usual items like oil leaks, general condition of belts and hoses, etc you should be good.

J_Guynn · Post by **J_Guynn** » 04 Apr 2005, 19:38

dosbricks wrote:'98 was a good year. In '99 they switched to an electronic throttle which has had many failures.

If the T-belt was changed at a dealer, there should be a little sticker on the cover recording the mileage.

Check to see if it is engine #1266128 or above. If so, it has a mechanical tensioner that should be changed with the T-belt at 70k. The engine type and serial# are on a sticker on the T-belt cover. If it is 1266127 and below the tensioner is hydraulic and good for 140K.

The engine number "ranges" are now entered into my Palm...that way I can't forget them.

Thanks!

J_Guynn · Post by **J_Guynn** » 04 Apr 2005, 19:41

tina wrote:I just bought a 1-owner 98 S70 and I'm loving it. The main thing I have learned to look for with any Volvo is *maintenance records*! Make sure someone took care of it and it will last you much much longer! THere are many DIY things to keep up with on the Volvos to keep them in top shape, and if neglected can lead to expensive problems - like timing belt change, flame trap cleaning which if neglected can lead to pressur eincrease and leaks etc.

I have learned to only buy 1 or 2 owner cars that have all the records to prove maintenance was done at the recommended intervals. I saw lots of nice-looking car for sale and passed on them because the person didn't know what I was talking about when I asked if they ha the timing belt replaced, or they didn't have records to show what had been done. To me that just seems ridiculous how can you take care of a car if you don't keeo track of when things were done?

Unfortunatly I'll be getting this car from CarMax so I don't know how many owners it's been through. I'd guess one since it's a 98 with ~75K miles...most 7 year old multi-owner cars have more than 10K miles per year put on them. What I'm hoping is that the typical Volvo owner takes their car to the dealer for work...I guess we'll see when the car gets here this week.

BTW do the turbo engines have a flame trap? I thought that was only the non-turbo applications.

Post by **dosbricks** » 04 Apr 2005, 21:32

J_Guynn wrote:BTW do the turbo engines have a flame trap? I thought that was only the non-turbo applications.

Volvo eliminated the flame trap "screen" on S/V70s. The throttle body still needs to be cleaned about every 20k.

When you need parts order online from fcpgroton.com They will beat Momentum's price by about 50% (advice from a fellow Texan). Good luck.

White850Turbo · Post by **White850Turbo** » 05 Apr 2005, 06:04

None of the turbo'd cars have flame traps.

Where is Missouri City anyways? I'm in Plano, about 20 minutes Northeast of Dallas.

J_Guynn · Post by **J_Guynn** » 05 Apr 2005, 08:13

White850Turbo wrote:None of the turbo'd cars have flame traps.

Where is Missouri City anyways? I'm in Plano, about 20 minutes Northeast of Dallas.

Missouri City is SouthWest of Houston...between SugarLand and Houston. I actually live inside Houston city limits but not in Harris county and I have a Missouri City mailing address.

Funny thing is the V70 I'm getting is coming from the Plano CarMax. I figure it will be here sometime between tomorrow and Friday.

Post by **dosbricks** » 05 Apr 2005, 10:36

J_Guynn wrote:[
Missouri City is SouthWest of Houston...between SugarLand and Houston. I actually live inside Houston city limits but not in Harris county and I have a Missouri City mailing address.

I visit Missouri City every few months to see my sister, who lives on the Quail Valley course across from the club house. Small world.

I think you will enjoy the V70 driving experience (handling, mileage,etc.) a lot better than the Yukon.

By the way,White850Turbo is a good source of info since he has rebuilt and moded his brick.