Timing Belt/Kit for 98 S70 x/country

[unmlobo]

I want to do the timing belt replacement procedure. It was done at 65000 miles. The car has 150000 now so it is time. Groton lists 2 separate belts/kits. One for engines with serial # up to 1266128 and one for engines with #'s after that. It also states that if your car has a distributor cap and rotor....you need the first one ie, serial # up to 1266128. My car's engine serial number is 1277028 AND it HAS a distributor cap and rotor. I assume the difference is that one is a hydraulic tensioner and one is a mechanical tensioner? I am confused....which one should i order? Second question....Is it OK to just replace the belt or should i get the kit? Thanks BillE

[jpgurley]

It really is a fairly easy job, but the water pump is probably due, so get one while you are at it.
Do the kit if you got the money, but a belt and pump will do if you want to save now and do it all next time.

[jblackburn]

All 98's have a distributor cap & rotor. It's past time for that to be done, so get around to that as soon as you can.

You've got the same kind of tensioner I do though - it is this one:
http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exec/p ... g+Belt+Kit+

with the mechanical tensioner. You need to replace the tensioner and belt at that mileage - they are good for 2 belt changes. If you replace just the belt, you risk the tensioner failing and trashing your engine.

[unmlobo]

Thanks for the imfo! How many hours to do the job? Thanks! BillE

[jblackburn]

Eh, about 3-4 for the first time, making sure you triple-check everything along the way.

[JRL]

Groton's site is WRONG
ALL 98's have cap, wires and rotor.
The timing belt break is late build cars, about April 1998 and the VIN beak is probably correct.
Obviously if you buy the wrong one, when you remove the old one the tensioner will look different

[WeAre06]

Remove the t-belt cover (1 bolt) you should be able to see or feel which tensioner you have