99 S70 - Just installed my timing belt and needle location is weird

mkamel · Post by **mkamel** » 12 Feb 2022, 14:29

Hi all,
I just replaced the timing belt on my 1999 Volvo S70 2.4l Engine, DOHC AWD. Other than adjusting the tensioner needle, everything went smooth, it took like 2.5 hours. The engine seems to be fine but after driving for half an hour the needle location is passed the hot position, and it is all the way right like when you are tensioning the belt during installation position. Is that normal for a hot engine? Please look at the attached picture.

Thank you in advance

Post by **abscate** » 12 Feb 2022, 14:59

When the engine warms up the needle moves , correct. Usually the engine is at ambient temperature when you do this job so at 68F/20C the needle is in the middle

There is a chassis break in the tensioner and procedure to adjust it in the 1999 model year so get your engine number handy and then check here

Post by **volvolugnut** » 12 Feb 2022, 16:37

If you set up the tensioner when the parts were cold (say in a cold garage or outside) and set the position in the middle, when the engine warmed up it moved to the right. If the parts are -5 F (-20C), the indicator should be set to the left tab. At 68F (20C), the indicator should be in the center and at 120F(50C), the indicator should be at the right tab. This is for up to 2006 models per Haynes Manual.
volvolugnut

mkamel · Post by **mkamel** » 12 Feb 2022, 18:52

Thank you so much for replying. First, after the engine cooled down, I took the covers off to check the position, and it was in the middle" warm" when the engine is cold!

Also, after reading both comments, yes I did the entire timing belt job outdoor and the temp was like -7C outdoor. I adjusted the tensioner needle during the job to the middle "warm", maybe I was supposed to set it at cold position "left". The belt's tension seems good and everything else is normal. I'm just worried the belt will be under more tension when the engine is hot and eventually will fail!!

Should I set the tension all over again?

Oly850 · Post by **Oly850** » 12 Feb 2022, 20:00

I don’t think I would redo the tensioner at this point. If it winds up in the middle of the tensioner between 50F - 68F it’s completely fine. I haven’t had this happen but an overly tight belt would be noisy.