1998 V70R: replacing hydraulic tensioner with mechanical?

atomicthumbs · Post by **atomicthumbs** » 18 Oct 2018, 05:16

My car needs the timing belt changed; it's got a hydraulic tensioner installed currently.

I'd like to be able to take advantage of the longer interval in the future, if that's possible. Does a mechanical tensioner just bolt right up in place of the hydraulic one, or are there other differences that would make this not work right?

Post by **abscate** » 18 Oct 2018, 05:28

I don’t think the systems are compatible at all, jimmy is probably the guy who can answer this.

Post by **erikv11** » 18 Oct 2018, 09:44

You can confidently go two timing belt intervals on a blue box hydraulic tensioner (made by Aisin), you've got the longevity issue backwards there.

Every timing belt job: all pulleys, timing belt, mechanical tensioner
Every other timing belt job: hydraulic tensioner
At 200k or when you're just bored: factory water pump.

I once contemplated switching my 98 from mechanical to hydraulic, I know that direction is easy but IIRC you have to change the rear plastic timing cover. Hydraulic's bolt holes are there in my car's block. And the timing belt lengths are different, else it is a straightforward swap.

atomicthumbs · Post by **atomicthumbs** » 18 Oct 2018, 13:22

I'm thinking less about the cost of the tensioner and more about the extended interval for the whole setup, even if I have to change the mechanical one every time. The less work the better.

Post by **misha** » 18 Oct 2018, 16:20

Why would you do that since hydraulic one is more durable?

Post by **precopster** » 19 Oct 2018, 02:10

I converted my 1999 V70 to an 850 block (but I kept the 1999 head) afew years back. I documented the thread called "Correct compression testing procedure" viewtopic.php?f=1&t=39074&hilit=Correct ... e&start=10
Not an easy task and best to pull the engine for access as you will need to drill and tap a hole in that centre stub for the tensioner.

Post by **rspi** » 19 Oct 2018, 14:21

Interesting thread.