Timing belt broke, valves bent

Broken850 · Post by **Broken850** » 19 Sep 2015, 14:00

Hi all,
The mighty 95 850 turbo wagon just broke it's timing belt (35k on the belt!). Was hopeful and replaced the belt, but no good. Definite valve damage. My question is, where to go from here? It's in overall good condition, and I'm an industrial mechanic by trade, so overhauling the head is not out of the question. My concern is locating parts (gaskets, valves, ect..) Thanks for any help!

Post by **FLXC90** » 19 Sep 2015, 14:17

lots of threads for the same thing here. If the guides are okay, parts are easy to come by, but the exhaust valves are sodium filled, and expensive. J/Y heads are a crapshoot as to overheats vs bent valves; just need to look till you hit paydirt. 2.3 liter turbo motors up through '98 are compatible, valves up through '99 if the head had hydraulic lifters.

And since the car is otherwise okay, turbos are deemed desirable, while many let N/A cars go.

Post by **misha** » 19 Sep 2015, 15:36

What was the brand of the belt?
What was the reason for it's failure(roller,tensioner)?
Was tensioner hydraulic or mechanical?
What was the age of the belt?If it was older than 7years,low 35k don't change anything.

Post by **RussB** » 19 Sep 2015, 16:25

Subscribed. I, too would like to learn the particulars of a premature timing belt failure

Post by **tryingbe** » 19 Sep 2015, 17:45

I'd buy a running parts car put that engine in instead.

Broken850 · Post by **Broken850** » 19 Sep 2015, 20:15

Belt was approx 3.5 years old with around 35k on it. Belt type I believe was Dayco. As far as reason for failure, I'm not really sure. Tensioner was perfect. All idlers roll smooth. Water pump has no issues. Kind of at a loss. Truthfully I've never seen one fail under such perfect conditions.
Started to disassemble the head. Removed intake, exhaust and entire back half of the head. Will pull it tomorrow as time allows. Has anyone out there done this recently? If so, who did you get your parts from? Thanks!

Post by **cn90** » 19 Sep 2015, 20:49

Interesting because Dayco is a good brand, but:

- TB: Volvo OEM is made by Continental. Try eeuroparts or rmeuropean.com.
- WP: Aisin is the best but you say your WP is OK.
- Head Gasket Volvo OEM only.
- Seals (Cam seals etc.), Corteco is OEM and is 33% of Volvo dealer price.

The link below has useful info:
Volvo 5-cylinder: How to Replace the Head Gasket

PS: Valves are tricky issues b/c Volvo OEM valves a very expensive. Other brands are TRW, Osvat etc.
You may have to do your own research re brand.

Post by **abscate** » 20 Sep 2015, 03:06

I think typically 3-5 valves bend when this happens. You might be able to hook up with one of the many head rebuilders here and buy left over valves, have them lapped into your head, and get back on the road. I'll try look up some of the recent ones and link.

Are you in Pick and pull country or in suburbia ??

greenman86 · Post by **greenman86** » 20 Sep 2015, 07:10

I would buy a junkyard head and have it resurfaced. The head will be thoroughly tested at the machine shop and you will be advise if anything needs to be replaced. I've purchased many junkyards heads. They just need to be checked out before using them. FCP has the best prices. You don't need a Genuine Volvo head gasket. I've used Victor Reinz on more then 10 different Volvo's. Continental will be your best bet for a timing belt. Never had one break on me. I wouldn't replace cam seals unless they are leaking.

Head gasket:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/Volvo-parts/850 ... d%20gasket
Timing belt
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... ntal-tb252

If you have a modified car, the gates racing blue timing belt is another option.

Post by **misha** » 20 Sep 2015, 07:13

I wonder if tensioner was overtightened.
That would be the only logical explanation except the belt could had factory error.

@greenman86 Victor Reinz should be oem.