Hi from Kentucky

Jim-1995 850 · Post by **Jim-1995 850** » 04 Jan 2010, 07:06

Hi all,

I'm new to your site and already appreciate how helpful it is. I am here for my daughter's 1995 850 N/A. It has some issues (electrical drain when parked, broken odometer, passenger side airbag cover peeled totally back) and will undoubtedly tackle maintenance issues like timing belt, etc. once this frigid artic air lets up.

I do a lot of mechanical work myself (e.g. timing belts, clutch changes, engine swaps) but this is my first time working on a Volvo. Based on the legendary loyalty of Volvo owners, I'm sure this car is worth fixing up. You'll be hearing more from me in the appropriate forums and hopefully I will be able to contribute something as well.

Best wishes, Jim

Post by **billofdurham** » 04 Jan 2010, 12:34

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

hopefully I will be able to contribute something as well.

I see you have already started. Nice one.

Bill.

Post by **RobTheModd** » 04 Jan 2010, 12:38

was it 1995+ or 1995- years that the timing belt needs to be replaced every 40k miles? I know the 1996 year is recommended every 70k.

Hey if your ever out here in FL, and youve done her Tbelt change... ill give yah a tbelt, and some money to change mine! lol

Jim-1995 850 · Post by **Jim-1995 850** » 04 Jan 2010, 14:13

RobTheModd wrote:
Hey if your ever out here in FL, and youve done her Tbelt change... ill give yah a tbelt, and some money to change mine! lol

Ha ha - once I find out how much of a PITA it is (or hopefully isn't), I may take you up on a FL vacation in exchange for the TBelt swap. Do you have ocean front property and a boat I can use?

edit: Oh never mind - I just saw you're in Orlando.

Post by **RobTheModd** » 04 Jan 2010, 18:17

Jim-1995 850 wrote:
RobTheModd wrote:
Hey if your ever out here in FL, and youve done her Tbelt change... ill give yah a tbelt, and some money to change mine! lol
Ha ha - once I find out how much of a PITA it is (or hopefully isn't), I may take you up on a FL vacation in exchange for the TBelt swap. Do you have ocean front property and a boat I can use?

edit: Oh never mind - I just saw you're in Orlando.

yeah sorry no ocean front veiw.
uhh see this is the thing about the Tbelt... if you mess it up, be prepared to buy a new motor.. BUT dont, you should hit up EVERY junk yard this side of europe for one since usually they will part with it for about 200-500 dollars.
so you gotta figure... 200 to get someone to do it for you, or potentially 500 to replace motor
hint as to why i let a mechanic play with the major stuff.
just in case you mess up.

Jim-1995 850 · Post by **Jim-1995 850** » 05 Jan 2010, 06:31

RobTheModd wrote: yeah sorry no ocean front veiw.
uhh see this is the thing about the Tbelt... if you mess it up, be prepared to buy a new motor.. BUT dont, you should hit up EVERY junk yard this side of europe for one since usually they will part with it for about 200-500 dollars.
so you gotta figure... 200 to get someone to do it for you, or potentially 500 to replace motor
hint as to why i let a mechanic play with the major stuff.
just in case you mess up.

Wow, only $200 for 6-8 hours of labor? I need to find your mechanic!

Honestly, this motor looks so simple compared to other t-belt swaps I've done - my garage queen is a twin turbo 3000GT VR4 with 4-camshaft interference engine & a lot of disassembly just to get at anything. You miss aligning a cam gear by a notch or two and you've got bent valves and are replacing heads & possibly pistons. I wouldn't let any 18 year old kid work on that (plus that job in a shop costs $1000-1200).

Post by **RobTheModd** » 05 Jan 2010, 08:40

??? lol its only about 2 hours or less for the tbelt...

for my waterpump and timing belt i was quoted 552.
waterpump - 300
tbelt - 30
gas refill
labor.
lol.

Jim-1995 850 · Post by **Jim-1995 850** » 05 Jan 2010, 08:54

RobTheModd wrote:??? lol its only about 2 hours or less for the tbelt...

for my waterpump and timing belt i was quoted 552.
waterpump - 300
tbelt - 30
gas refill
labor.
lol.

I would be absolutely amazed if it can be done that fast. If so, no wonder Volvos have such a loyal following - simple & well engineered. I may become a convert yet.

Post by **RobTheModd** » 05 Jan 2010, 10:51

Jim, you will love it.
lol.
your main tools.. for general stuff.
a T20 srewdriver.
and a 10mm wrench.
lol.

the t20 will do almost everything on the interior, and most of the car really...
the 10 mm is good for just about every thing that isnt a large piece... ie the control arms.

OH HEY! did your car come with the volvo roadside kit? mine didnt but i managed to find one at a jy!

little black pouch with everything you need for general mat.