Buying a C70 with a broken timing belt?

paredown · Post by **paredown** » 13 Aug 2016, 14:03

Anyone taken a flyer buying a Volvo with a broken TB? (it's the LT variant)

Happy endings?
OMG, what have I done endings?

I have read many of the threads, and understand the damage could range from piston/cylinder wall damage, bent valves (many or few). Rebuilt heads are available from Clearwater (although I don't see anything listed and I see some unfavorable reviews), and I have read the thread on rebuilding the head yourself.

I have done the TB on our n/a '99 V70, and PCV and such--and this would not be a 'must be back on the road in a day' situations. Did head work with Dad a hundred years ago, and appreciate procedure and cleanliness if you DIY. (I've never been near a motor with VVT though, so not sure how much that complicates things...)

The car appears to be in great shape and is relatively low mileage, so on the face of it, it seems like it would be worth saving.

Thoughts?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 13 Aug 2016, 15:04

The CVVT doesn't change things all that much but the cam adjustment tool is pretty much mandatory. If it needs an engine they can be a bit tough to find depending on which engine it is. We have several writeups on head gaskets which is essentially what you are looking at if you are lucky. Once the head comes off you will know quickly if you can get by with reworking the valves or if you are looking at need to replace the engine. So long as you have the room to store it and some patience it can actually be a very rewarding project. Not necessarily monetarily but psychologically. Since you have a '99 you are aware of the pitfalls on things like the keys and the remotes that require dealership intervention and the "wallet weigh in" that goes with it.

...Lee

Post by **abscate** » 13 Aug 2016, 17:38

It is a really good bet that it is just top end work - the bottom end of these blocks seems to be indestructible

Post by **cuhfs** » 13 Aug 2016, 21:07

What year and how many miles?

Post by **tryingbe** » 13 Aug 2016, 23:07

Read this.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... hp?t=76509

paredown · Post by **paredown** » 14 Aug 2016, 12:14

tryingbe wrote:Read this.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... hp?t=76509

I saw that--it reminded me of my experience with our V70--I bought it in a hurry off a sleazy lot in New Jersey. Couldn't even test drive it.
At least my ears did not deceive me because I thought the motor was solid (and it has been--touch wood). But yeah, in beat condition, these cars can break your heart.

I've been picking away at the projects for ours and only this year does it feel like it is close to being a decent car--but I have still not tackled the steering rack (almost failed the test this year but got a sympathy pass) or the air conditioning.

This looks like someone's wife's car--low miles (80k) with a body that has no dings.

And I feel like I have a decent general understanding of these cars now.

paredown · Post by **paredown** » 14 Aug 2016, 12:16

cuhfs wrote:What year and how many miles?

You live too close and I haven't heard back from the seller!

Post by **cuhfs** » 15 Aug 2016, 18:45

Yup. Thanks for the lead

. Just kidding.

I have a two 04's and an 01 so rest assured I have no desire for more work. And no space for any more. They are much more needy than their 850 and V70 cousins. Just offering friendly free advice. No worries. Good luck.

Post by **misha** » 15 Aug 2016, 18:55

paredown wrote:
cuhfs wrote:What year and how many miles?
You live too close and I haven't heard back from the seller!

Post by **cuhfs** » 15 Aug 2016, 18:58

Just saw your post with the miles. 80K... sounds nice! if it has an automatic trans you will want to immediately do a fluid change and put a magnifine filter on it. The automatic transmission is a very weak link on these cars. both of my 04's had trans issues (96K miles, and 125K miles). Thankfully the 01 is a manual trans. But the 01's often have the dreaded faulty ETM... which I had to replace.