1999 S40 T4 - Major Timing Issue

[mel91mx5]

Hi Guys - Please go easy on me... This is my first post, my first volvo AND I am a girl

The problem:
The cam seal on my 99 S40 T4 (B4194T) Volvo decided to let go and most of the oil dumped out of the car. It must have popped whilst driving as the sump was dry and there was a lovely oil spatter trail in the car park of the shopping centre where I noticed the puddle

Got it home (yes, put oil in it to save it and nurse it home) put it up on jacks and (stared at it for a long time, hoping for it to fix itself as I didnt know where to start) a couple of us got spanner happy and took the timing belt off etc to "repair" the problem.
When I realised what we were doing half way through I noticed that nobody had marked the crankshaft or timing sprockets before removing the belt.

The timing belt was refitted in a "hope this works" manner (no aligning of anything or checking anything) and... Lucky enough, there was no loud sounds or knocking when the key was first turned on (phew, the engine is not ruined).... Problem is, the car now wont start. It tried to fire up a couple of times, felt like it just just about to go, but it didn't. (double phew, the engine is not ruined)
It cranks normally, just doesn't seem to fire.

I am a logical bird and I figure the timing is well out.... But now I don't even know where to even begin to get the timing right or aligned.

You guys seem well on the ball and know what your talking about.
Is anyone able to Please help me!

[difflock54]

Advise you to read the articles in this MVS website on Timing etc in the repair database carefully before doing anymore.
Do not crank the engine with the starter with the timing now well out as you will bend valves or damage to pistons, if not already too late.
You should turn it over manually from crankshaft pulley then you can feel strange resistances or noises and are less likely to incurr damage internally.
In the database also are 'do it yourself' videos on many numerous subjects including timing and camshaft seal replacement etc. Even ones on different models can give you the basic important steps and precautions that you need to consider.
Research carefully before proceeding any further as you may seriously damage your motor having rushed into this blindly.
Confirm also if your oil leak is from camshaft seals (front or rear) or the crankshaft.
To have run your sump dry the leak is more likely from the crankshaft seals.

[mel91mx5]

Thanks for your help.
Yeah, by the time I got to getting on the forums I think it was a little too late. The timing belt was already off

I will start looking again, and see what I can come up with.

I will also look into the crackshaft and see if thats where the oil has come from.

Thanks again for the advice

[difflock54]

Hey , I see that a forum member shanegtr owns a white 99 V40 and resides in Perth Australia also.
Maybe you should PM him and introduce yourself / explain your problems.
You may benefit from some reasonably local advise / support and he may be able to offer you some sound technical advise or contacts locally if he feels so inclined ?

I do hope he doesn't mind me suggesting you make contact but I saw his posts and given that Australia / NZ members are not great in number and he owns a V40, close by you, who knows ?

[mel91mx5]

Wow, thank you so much for that! I really appreciated that you took the time to let me know.

I have PM'd him now and have my fingers crossed.

[difflock54]

No problem. Hope he can and is happy to assist you locally.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=19831

The link above is to an older post I found relating to timing belt and associated work also.
About 8 pages of threads with many links/attachments from various members, some very relevant others maybe not so but well worth a browse thru for reference purposes also when you get time.
Good luck.
Peter

[mel91mx5]

Again!! Thanks Peter you're a gem!!

I've noted that I have to lock up the camshaft at the rear of the valve head, the alignment is done there, so I was lucky I stopped and put my sensible hat on before doing any more damage... Did manage to turn the crankshaft a couple of times and there is no weird noises or resistance or knocking, so fingers crossed that we escape this with only a lot of time and a lot more egg on our faces than a new motor!

Thanks again, I'm going to go have a read through now.
Mel

[shanegtr]

Hey , I see that a forum member shanegtr owns a white 99 V40 and resides in Perth Australia also.
Maybe you should PM him and introduce yourself / explain your problems.
You may benefit from some reasonably local advise / support and he may be able to offer you some sound technical advise or contacts locally if he feels so inclined ?

I do hope he doesn't mind me suggesting you make contact but I saw his posts and given that Australia / NZ members are not great in number and he owns a V40, close by you, who knows ?

For the record I got no issues in the PM suggestion - the reason Im here is to get help when needed and so are most others. Im only too happy to help out where I can. I've sent you a PM reply

For the record if I cant help you out specifically then I suggest getting in contact with euroworld in o'conner, although I havent personally had any work done through him myself another V40 I was recently involved in buying had been serviced by them and I cant fault the work. Plus I rang Wayne up yesterday when I was having a hard time sourcing some parts for mine - he happily gave me a lead that I wouldnt have even considered (unfortantly they couldnt help me either, but it was appreciated all the same)

[mel91mx5]

Thanks Shane

I read your PM before reading this post!

I think by the time I have finished with this car, I am going to be an expert with plenty of knowledge to share and help out with.
Been taking some pics as I go too so that I can do a few How To's as well.

Will have to give them a shout as I do need a few bit's and I haven't tried them as yet

What parts are you after? I see today there is a 1999 S40 in Gumtree that is selling for $800... Have asked if he is looking to dismantle as Perth needs the spare parts! Engine only done 100k... so not bad at all for a 99.

Thanks again to you both Shane & Peter and here's hoping a couple of informative members emerge from Down Under ;-P

Mel