Hipcheck and his Volvo 850 Wagon

Post by **abscate** » 02 Dec 2020, 04:53

That’s the right belt but it sure looks way too short. Run a tape measure around it and I’ll compare it my last 1998 replacement.

hipcheck · Post by **hipcheck** » 02 Dec 2020, 05:24

I will measure it later. Because I got the kit (NOS) but still second hand I am going to the nearest Volvo dealership or certified mechanic a few hours away. I need one in hand today to get the project wrapped up.

Post by **abscate** » 02 Dec 2020, 08:14

You do have too much slack in that from crank to Intake, but not enough to make up for half a pulley on the exhaust.

Get a new belt side by side with the old to confirm - good luck...we are in this, all together.

hipcheck · Post by **hipcheck** » 02 Dec 2020, 08:40

Will compare it to the cut off belt when I’m back in town. The road trip to another town to a Volvo specialist shop and dealership turned up blanks.

Will call IPD/FCP to get one overnighted I guess.

The dealership referenced my VIN and I fall into a model/year break point from what he says.

That would possibly explain it, but I didn’t think my 97 fell into any situation like that?

Yes, thank you guys for the help!

Post by **abscate** » 02 Dec 2020, 10:16

The model year break is in 1998 when the block went from hydraulic to mechanical tensioner. You can check you engine numbe rain case someone put a later block in, too.

hipcheck · Post by **hipcheck** » 02 Dec 2020, 13:58

So a new twist:

The belts are the same length.

I tried to install the belt with the crank pulley still attached. I’m pretty sure now that I didn’t clear the bolt/pin below the crank. This would take up the slack in the belt.

Question time, can I remove the crank pulley now (with cams locked in place) and then install the belt. I can rotate the crank back to the timing mark before in finish the install.

Post by **abscate** » 02 Dec 2020, 17:55

You need to remove the harmonic balancer but not the crank pulley. Work the belt past the nub with the harmonic balancer removed. I’ve used wood wedges to hold the belt tight up on the crank pulley while I get the belt into tension. Tag them with orange line like an airplane so you remove before flight.

hipcheck · Post by **hipcheck** » 03 Dec 2020, 17:02

This is why diy is an adventure. Buy a 30mm socket, a smaller T-45 for clearance, smaller torque wrench (mine doesn’t do below 45ft lbs), a second belt and express shipping.

Spend money to save money. Just save more than you spend.

Still bought complete timing belt kit off a forum member for $100 and got a free Aisen water pump in another deal.

My local German auto place said $400 and the nearest Volvo place would require I tow the car 3 hours round trip. I feel stupid for this simple mistake but learning this made me feel better. I took a practice run with the old belt and was able to slip it past the pinch all the way!

Here it is in place. Wish I could have gotten it out without getting pissed the other day.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 03 Dec 2020, 18:05

We learn as we do these things. The satisfaction is more than the money saved.
volvolugnut

Post by **FLXC90** » 03 Dec 2020, 19:22

The second one is always easier!

Hipcheck and his Volvo 850 Wagon

Re: Hipcheck and his Volvo 850 Wagon