93 850 glt timing belt

ancv · Post by **ancv** » 11 Jan 2008, 07:50

Driving home yesterday and my CEL came on and my car died. Had my mechanic come out and he looked in where you put engine oil and said my cam wasn't turning, so my timing belt was broke.

From what I have read, I have an interference engine so I am looking at fixing valves. I spoke with a volvo mechanic and he said easily a $2000 job.

My grandfather found a wrecked volvo 1992 960 series L6 2.9L. My question(s) is this engine compatible with mine? Is there any engine that is?

Also, is there anything else that could happen to make the cam stop moving other than timing belt?

THANKS in advance for all the advice,
ancv

Post by **tjts1** » 11 Jan 2008, 09:45

Broken timing belt or timing belt tensioner. The 960 engine is a 6 cyl and won't fit in your 850. You need another 5 cyl engine from another 850.

ancv · Post by **ancv** » 11 Jan 2008, 14:22

Okay so it could be a tensioner? We are learning as we go on this vehicle, and it's the only one I have. If it is the tensioner, would it have messed up the valves? What would it have messed up?

How hard is it to fix?

Also, where is a good reliable source to find volvo engines?

Thanks,
ancv

Post by **tjts1** » 11 Jan 2008, 15:39

The tensioner keeps the timing belt under tension around the sprockets. When it looses tensions its just like the belt failing. Its a normal wear item that should be replaced along with the timing belt. More info and pics here.
http://volvospeed.com/Repair/timingbelt.php
You can buy a new rebuilt engine from volvo or find a used one at the junk yard, or ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Volvo-85 ... 18Q2el1247
If you are mechanically inclined you can just replace the head or have it rebuilt.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 11 Jan 2008, 16:03

I'm thinking that rebuilding the head is the best bet if the pistons aren't beat up. The '93 engine is different than the others but I don't know how different it is and if a later engine can be put in. For sure the timing belt, pulleys, and tensioner are different but I don't know what else is different.

The way I would proceed is to:

A) pull the timing belt cover and see what is going on there.

Assuming that the belt or something is broken and the cams are not turning. I would:

B) Pull the head and see how many valves got whacked and what the pistons look like.

Intake valves run $11.00 each and exhaust valves go for $15.00 each. The gasket set will cost you right at $100.00.

The most expensive part of the repair is the one that should have been done in the first place, the timing belt, water pump, tensioner and rollers. The belt is cheap but the other stuff adds up fast.

If you have not yet serviced the PCV system this is a very convienent time to do it.

...Lee

vlv850 · Post by **vlv850** » 11 Jan 2008, 16:22

Agreed, if your bottom end isn't busted up (pistons, rods, etc) than a valve job would probably be a your best bet.

If you do need to replace the whole engine, you should be able to use most any year NA 850 engine. Some '93's came with a 10v engine, most you'll find are going to be 20v. This will work fine. One thing to look for on a new engine is if your car orginally came with an air pump or not. You'll want to keep this aspect congruent. Also on a new engine, replace the timing belt, even if the new engine has 30,000 miles on it. While the engine is out, you might as well look at motormounts, hoses, radiator, etc for needing replacement. It all adds up to $ though.

Post by **tjts1** » 11 Jan 2008, 17:48

There were no 10V 850s sold in America in 93 or any other model year. A hand full of 10V 2.5 liter 850s were sold in Canada between 94-96.
If you can find a complete used engine in good condition for less than $1000, do that. Swapping or rebuilding the head is very time consuming and requires a number of special tools.

ancv · Post by **ancv** » 12 Jan 2008, 14:57

Wow ya'll guys are awesome!! Thanks so much for the advice. On Monday, we will start to pull things apart and see what is up...and I'll probably have more questions...

Again, THANKS for all.

ancv

ancv · Post by **ancv** » 14 Jan 2008, 12:06

Okay, the belt is broke. We haven't took it all apart, yet.

Does it matter how fast you were driving at the time the belt broke or is the damage all the same no matter what?

Also, does anyone know what I could be looking at, mechanical wise? I found several websites that talk about the problem, but I would like to hear what anyone else has been through.

To get my car up and running, I assume that I have to place the valves that are messed up. I also noticed several websites saying something about replacing a water pump....

Anyway, if anyone has had this problem, or knows anything about it, please feel free to respond.

Thanks,
ancv

Strosfan · Post by **Strosfan** » 17 Jan 2008, 19:41

Okay, I have a 93 GLT also and i'm pretty sure my timing belt just broke about an hour ago. The car felt as if it jumped into neutral and the engine died instantly. I was doing 55mph and i didn't hear any mechanical pops, clanks, clunks or anything that sounded bad. I will have a shop pull mine apart tomorrow and keep you posted with what i find to.