1999 v70 must been blessed by the POPE

lotusing1969 · Post by **lotusing1969** » 07 Oct 2015, 20:05

This is my 4th Volvo and I don't know how or why I have been so lucky but only if my life could go as well as my v70. I have literally done no major repairs in the last 100k and I now have 210. At 100 the throttle body went bad and I got lucky with that. The dealer told me I needed to get a new one and then Volvo would have to program it. I found a newer version on eBay, installed it that night with the battery disconnected and the next morning ready to go to the dealer for programing and the engine started and ran perfect saving me $300. I haven't even done brakes since 100k. Tires because of a massive pothole but everything else is all original. I do need to do the timing belt. I do check it every time I change the oil and it looks great, no dryness or cracks but it does need to be done. Anyone else have this kind of luck with there Volvo? I hope I haven't jinxed myself with this post.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 07 Oct 2015, 20:46

If you have put over 100k on the timing belt even Francis won't be able to fix the bent valves when it goes with just a wave of his hand. John Paul II maybe but not Francis.

Visually inspecting a timing belt is deceptive. Unless they have oil leaking on them they always look brand new, until they break. The belt itself is rarely the problem though, it is usually the stuff around the belt like the water pump, a tensioner, or an idler that gets you in the end. That is why Volvo insists on a 100 k interval on changing them. I personally revert back to the 70 k interval that the older 850s had even on my '99 and I change the tensioner and all of the rollers when I do it. On every other belt I change the water pump.

I must say that you have been lucky for sure but unfortunately you are at the point where things are going to start going bad and those things may come at you fast and furious. At this point the suspension and steering components are past due. You will need to remember this post when stuff ultimately does start to go.

...Lee

lotusing1969 · Post by **lotusing1969** » 07 Oct 2015, 21:17

You are 100% Ozark, I will most likely do the timing belt next week. Your are correct about things are going to start to happen. I guess I am just to the moon how great this car has been. Before I bought it, I knew that I was going to have it a while and put a ton of mileage on it so I went with front wheel drive and not turbo, less to break and good thing I did. I thought of another thing. I have 0 leaks and never had leaks and it has always started even after sitting in this last frigid cold for 1 month. It can use shocks but it still ride well and the tires are not wearing funky. I did forget that I did the front sway bar links, bushings and ball joints at 100k. This car has been so good that 5 friends bought a Volvo because of my car.

Post by **cn90** » 07 Oct 2015, 21:39

Just search forum for problems, issues that happen on a frequent basis.
Make a note of that and keep an eye on things.

The TB thingy: do as Ozark said. Every 90K is fine, just buy the TB kit from Volvo for $120, which includes:
- TB
- Idler Pulley
- Mechanical tensioner

At 210K, a lot of issues will come up and you will have to repeat what Pope Francis said "Pray for me"...

lotusing1969 · Post by **lotusing1969** » 08 Oct 2015, 08:32

That's funny!!!

Post by **mecheng** » 08 Oct 2015, 11:00

You haven't done brakes in 110k miles; really? You must drive like a grandma and yes you are blessed.
I do one major repair per year and I barely drive my car. Go play the lottery.

In terms of maintainance, I would never buy your car used. That is not something to be proud of.
FLuids are not for life

lotusing1969 · Post by **lotusing1969** » 08 Oct 2015, 11:56

Sorry, I have done engine oil every 4k with only Volvo oil filters or mann, I have changed the trans oil 6 times, I flushed the coolant 4 times, and flushed the brake fluid 6 times so I have spent money just nothing major and yes my front and rear brakes have been on there for more than 100k and I just had to replace the front tires because of pot holes and much to my surprise there are 50% and the rotors are great condition. I am easy on the brakes. Its not a sports car so I don't treat it as such. I have a lotus esprit and that I put 6 puck front calipers and 4 puck rear and that I brake like a made man. It is crazy and your right it is blessed. If you knew me, all my friends tell me that I have the worst luck, when it comes to looking for work, women and just about anything else so this is the only gift I have and will never get rid of it. When it does die it will have a real funeral!!!!

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 08 Oct 2015, 13:48

Transmission fluid, too... just goes to show, if you treat your car well, it will return the favor.
I agree with Lee, though, those problems are going to come in fast and furious. Just keep taking care of her, and she'll do the same.

lotusing1969 · Post by **lotusing1969** » 08 Oct 2015, 14:49

So far so good but I have the timing kit ready and will do it next week. The one thing though, I have never used synthetic oil, do I keep using standard or should I change?

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 08 Oct 2015, 15:35

I'm not an expert on oil, but I would switch over. I've always thought of these more advanced engines as requiring synthetic oil, but obviously I'm wrong, because mine still has conventional in it, too. I am going to switch to synthetic this next oil change. Mostly due to the high mileage. I have a rebuilt head (I'm assuming the t-belt broke at some point) so I shouldn't worry so much.