It took me a while to get up the courage to tackle the job. I'm in the midst of doing it right now and started the waterpump/tensioner thread. Up to the point of the tensioner issue I had about 5 hours into the job. The timing belt/water pump job is relatively straight forward compared to the other completed jobs, but the consequences of doing it wrong are catastrophic. Many other jobs you get a do-over if they are just not right - this one is a one time deal. Watch the videos and read the posts until you are sick of them and then follow the instructions.
The one tool definitely needed is a good torque wrench. Not the crappy ones, but a decent one.
Oh, and expect the radiator drain cock to break off.
http://volvopartslisle.com/ was discussed in the other thread for volvo parts and when I checked the price on a tensioner it was about 15% less than FCP.
1998 S70 is Timing Belt job easy?
Gunna be tough to do a TB with just a socket set so plan on buying some decent tools. If you're detail oriented, don't get flustered easily, and have the time, space, and tools - you can do it. You'll learn a lot. Ideally having a mechanic look over your shoulder would be best. I'm a software engineer, but have a neighbor who is a mechanic and I'm always asking him for advice about working on vehicles.
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FLXC90
- Posts: 1132
- Joined: 18 August 2014
- Year and Model: 98 V70 T5
- Location: Florida Panhandle
- Has thanked: 16 times
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Sorry, It's been 35 years since I worked in Kent. So: Who's lurking in Seattle/Tacoma/Everett that might be willing to help here? Anyone? 
Current Volvos:
1998 V70 T5, 112k sat 5 years, still in mechanical coma (finally at the top of the pile )
2004 XC90 T6 AWD: 186k, 60 on transaxle ( traded in )
1998 POS70 N/A: DD/training aid, 236k but really about 240k, I think...ABS module( passed on to son who sold it)
1998 V70 T5, 112k sat 5 years, still in mechanical coma (finally at the top of the pile )
2004 XC90 T6 AWD: 186k, 60 on transaxle ( traded in )
1998 POS70 N/A: DD/training aid, 236k but really about 240k, I think...ABS module( passed on to son who sold it)
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rocketman4321
- Posts: 37
- Joined: 8 March 2014
- Year and Model: 850 Turbo 1996
- Location: Virginia USA
Generally concur with the comments. There's a first time to solo on TB, but it helps to have done other jobs first. That said, the Volvo is not terribly hard to do or particularly fussy--it's just a bit tight in there.
To the list of essential tools, I'd add a breaker bar. If you get a 1/2", then find a 1/8" thick strip of steel and bend it so it wraps nearly around the socket attachment. You now have a serp belt tool and a breaker bar. I also have a set of Torx sockets--not essential, but allows use of the socket handle, breaker bar, etc.
You shouldn't hurt the engine if you remember to turn it over gently a couple times by wrenching the crank pulley bolt after setting the timing.
The accumulated tools, experience, and patience get you out of little jams, and give you judgement about where to pay close attention. See, for example, the debates about whether to lock the cams, and then read the Haynes manual.
We are absolutely not trying to be discouraging--many of us got here one job at a time, and routinely try things we haven't done before. Hard or easy, there's always a certain amount of trepidation the first time. (I did valve stem seals about a year ago, and that was challenging, but now I could do it on another car!). But this is a superset of several jobs, each of which would be a good way to get into fixing Volvos. So I guess I have to reluctantly say I wouldn't start by soloing on this one, but do start working on the car and/or try it with a little help and extra time.
To the list of essential tools, I'd add a breaker bar. If you get a 1/2", then find a 1/8" thick strip of steel and bend it so it wraps nearly around the socket attachment. You now have a serp belt tool and a breaker bar. I also have a set of Torx sockets--not essential, but allows use of the socket handle, breaker bar, etc.
You shouldn't hurt the engine if you remember to turn it over gently a couple times by wrenching the crank pulley bolt after setting the timing.
The accumulated tools, experience, and patience get you out of little jams, and give you judgement about where to pay close attention. See, for example, the debates about whether to lock the cams, and then read the Haynes manual.
We are absolutely not trying to be discouraging--many of us got here one job at a time, and routinely try things we haven't done before. Hard or easy, there's always a certain amount of trepidation the first time. (I did valve stem seals about a year ago, and that was challenging, but now I could do it on another car!). But this is a superset of several jobs, each of which would be a good way to get into fixing Volvos. So I guess I have to reluctantly say I wouldn't start by soloing on this one, but do start working on the car and/or try it with a little help and extra time.
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Dualhammers
- Posts: 12
- Joined: 29 August 2015
- Year and Model: S70 1998
- Location: Seattle
Thank you all for the great replies! This is a lot of good food for thought. Unfortunately I live in an apartment complex with no dedicated parking so I can't have the job last a week.
In the end I decided to get the shop to do it. The car also needed new front axles so it was already going in. Pricey($2000), but in the end I think I will have this car for a long while and a still be cheaper and safer than anything else I could afford for $6,000.
The car also needs a new door lock and an oil change so I think I am going to start with those and get a bit more comfortable. I will definitely look into finding someone nearby to guide me on the door job.
Thanks again!
In the end I decided to get the shop to do it. The car also needed new front axles so it was already going in. Pricey($2000), but in the end I think I will have this car for a long while and a still be cheaper and safer than anything else I could afford for $6,000.
The car also needs a new door lock and an oil change so I think I am going to start with those and get a bit more comfortable. I will definitely look into finding someone nearby to guide me on the door job.
Thanks again!
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goVolvo
- Posts: 89
- Joined: 30 November 2014
- Year and Model: V70XC 2000, S70 1998
- Location: Seattle eastside
- Has thanked: 4 times
- Been thanked: 1 time
Side question, my 1998 S70 has 182k miles but without history records. I want to check if and how many timing belt has been replaced. Right now I see two sticky labels, one on top of the other, on side of timing belt cover. But it is quite old and not eligible at all, with only partial bar code on it. Do you know does this mean timing belt has been replaced at least once? Or maybe even twice? The recommended interval is 70k miles from user's manual. If it is only replaced once I'd better get it replaced soon. Otherwise it runs great so maybe worth to keep it longer.
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abscate
- MVS Moderator
- Posts: 35273
- Joined: 17 February 2013
- Year and Model: 99: V70s S70s,05 V70
- Location: Port Jefferson Long Island NY
- Has thanked: 1498 times
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Sounds like it has been replaced twice.
Empty Nester
A Captain in a Sea of Estrogen
1999-V70-T5M56 2005-V70-M56 1999-S70 VW T4 XC90-in-Red
Link to Maintenance record thread
A Captain in a Sea of Estrogen
1999-V70-T5M56 2005-V70-M56 1999-S70 VW T4 XC90-in-Red
Link to Maintenance record thread
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