1998 S90 is it Worth an engine replacement? Topic is solved

Modus · Post by **Modus** » 17 Aug 2018, 22:48

1998 S90 with about 175,000 miles

Howdy all,

I was just informed by my mechanic that when my serpentine belt broke it managed to get through the engine cover and knock the timing belt off. He now wants to replace the engine (replacement engine has 90,000 miles comes w/ 6 month warranty). $1500 for the job.

This is really two questions in one:

First: How does a serpentine belt get through a cover and knock off a timing belt? I understand it’s an interference engine and a broken timing belt probable wrecked the engine, but I’ve never heard of a serpentine belt taking out a timing belt.

Second: Is it worth it? My experience with Volvos is limited but putting $1500-$2000 into a 20 year old car with almost 180,000 miles seems iffy. Especially when the car has an automatic transmission. Realistically how much more life can I expect out of he car?

Modus · Post by **Modus** » 17 Aug 2018, 22:49

Addendum:
The car is in relatively good shape, no rust, nice interior, etc. The previous owner was a little old lady who did everything including oil changes on schedule with a dealer. I’ve owned the car for a few years w/o issue.

Post by **June** » 18 Aug 2018, 00:02

Yes, I would fix it. Where else are you going to get a replacement car for $1500? June

Modus · Post by **Modus** » 18 Aug 2018, 00:19

June,

Thanks for the response. The real question is how many more miles can I expect to get after I replace the engine. How long before I can expect to replace the transmission? Suspension? Or other pricey parts.

Different cars age & wear differently and I don’t have enough Volvo experience to judge how long this one will be viable.

The 1500 won’t buy me a replacement vehicle, but is the money better spent towards different vehicle?

Hope that clears up the question

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 18 Aug 2018, 01:11

First: How does a serpentine belt get through a cover and knock off a timing belt?

The cover is plastic, it get brittle over the years. The force of a flying serpentine belt can shatter a brittle cover and just knock it out of the way. It is also possible that a shard from the cover tripped the timing belt.

The 90,000 mile motor has a lot of life left on it, assuming it was not damaged and well maintained. A well maintained Volvo 2.9L can run for 400,000 - 500,000 miles.

Post by **June** » 18 Aug 2018, 05:57

Only you know the condition of the car as we have not driven it. If everything is tight as of the belt failure, than likely the car has years more of driving before the suspension wears out. As far as the transmission goes, I believe that transmission also appeared in Lexus cars and is pretty much a indestructible design.

Look at this in dollars and cents... you buy a used car and likely it will need $1500 in service. You already know this car and the frequency it has cost you money. It is old, but if your $1500 buys you a year let's say, than that was a cheap year of driving! June

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 18 Aug 2018, 14:22

If it's anything like my 1988 Volvo 760 Wagon it will last another 10 years.

Modus · Post by **Modus** » 18 Aug 2018, 19:36

Rick,
Thank you for the information. A couple of follow ups though: Is your scenario of the S. belt wrecking the T. Belt from experience or just a very astute theory.

Also I figure a good replacement engine should outlast the rest of the vehicle. However, what can I expect to get out of the rest of the vehicle.... or does this car have another 100k left and I’m worrying for no reason.

I’ve wrenched my own LR’s and VW’s for years, but this is my first Volvo so your input is greatly appreciated

Modus · Post by **Modus** » 18 Aug 2018, 19:37

June,
Well said and thank you!

Modus · Post by **Modus** » 18 Aug 2018, 19:38

Lummert... LOL I’m getting the same kind of response from lots of Volvo owners.