Questions on a S70 timing belt renewal

[Ocelot]

Hello everyone,

Info: Volvo S70, date of birth September 1998, VIN number YV1LS5102X2583504.

I have been working the last few days on my S70 to renew the timing belt, waterpump, tensioner and guide roll. I have read A LOT about the hydraulic timing belt tensioner and the mechanical one, including that they - supposedly - have their own timing belts. The hydraulic version, if you may, has 144 teeth and the mechanical version has 138 teeth.

The thing is my S70 has the mechanical tensioner but with a belt with 144 teeth (I counted them). My new timing belt kit came with a belt with 138 teeth and it does not fit. So, I ordered a timing belt with 144 teeth. My biggest question is: is this a normal phenomenon? Is it true that the before mentioned belts cannot be interchanged. Is this true?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[abscate]

You are on the transition months between hydraulic and mechanical tensioners. What is your engine number , either on the sticker or punched into the engine near the water pump?

[Ocelot]

Thanks for the reply! I made a picture of the upper timing belt cover. I think the engine code is 1525122.

[abscate]

Details on the engine number change from hydraulic to mechanical tensioner for the timing belt, courtesy of RickHaleParker

1998 S70/C70/V70/XC/R:
Hydraulic tensioner engine serial number --- 1266127.
Mechanical tensioner engine serial number 1266128

[Ocelot]

I am a bit at a loss... The last time a small shop changed the timing belt. A belt with 144 teeth was fitted. Even if I wanted, the 138 teeth belt does not fit, that is not even a maybe. I know some timing belts are really hard to fit around the sprockets and such, but this is a no no. I think the former mechanic faced the same issue. Any advice how to proceed?