Intake Camshaft movement when tightening bolts

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 24 Mar 2026, 17:10

Greetings!
I am blessed with having to reinstall a few parts so the timing can be set on my V70 T5. Been trying to located an oil leak on the left side of the motor.
I have the timing belt on and the initial marks indicating the position of the cam sprockets and the belt.
When I attempted to tighten the bolts to the intake sprocket, the camshaft moved forward! I know these cannot be turned back, so my question: do I just keep moving the camshaft around until it meets the spot where it was when I turned the car off? I did not release the hydraulic tensioner. Or should I just release the tensioner, tighten the sprocket bolts and turn the crankshaft two revolutions or until all the marks line up?
Hope to feel less impaired with your helpful feedback!

Vova585 · Post by **Vova585** » 24 Mar 2026, 18:20

If the life gives you lemons- try to make lemonade out of it. I would use this situation to get a camshaft locking tool and replace all seals(oil pump seals as well) with new water pump and belt. To put everything back together and then to chase all timming codes is no fun.Also I woukd suggest to use torque wrench and locktite recommended by volvo.

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 24 Mar 2026, 20:41

Thanks, Vova585!
I have new seals and am waiting on those for the oil pump, plus have new serp tensioner (the old one was very noisy), pulleys, water pump and gasket, thermostat and housing gasket. Cleaned out the intake manifold, replaced the gasket for the throttle body and installed a new TPS. Plan on obtaining new coolant and oil; new oil filter on hand.
So, with the new parts/gaskets mentioned above, I think I solved the noisy/scratching sounds, and smoke from coolant hitting the motor. Just need to identify the location of the oil spray.
The inner timing belt cover had the usual grime in the nooks and crannies, but really did not have a lot of oil or sludge on either side, although the bottom part that sits behind the timing belt at the crankshaft had the most grime. Will have to look more closely at the area around the oil pump when I remove the crank pulley and oil pump.

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 24 Mar 2026, 20:44

I forgot to ask, what do I do about the intake camshaft - keep rotating it a full revolution?

Vova585 · Post by **Vova585** » 24 Mar 2026, 21:55

5 rivers, I am sorry I overlooked that it was 1998 car. I was answering based on my experience with 01 v70xc. But I think there should not be any problem to turn back the camshaft. If you will rotate it further forward, you will bend the valves. I dont remember if 98 came with vvt hub or it was starting 99. In case of vvt hub, seal needs to be installed with special adapters to proper depth. I do belive that camshaft locking tool can be used on 98, but i think not always necessary in case of no vvt.
Found this from honorable deepsouth member. Hope helps. If you are not too far from Rochester, I can give you cam tool.
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/timing-belt-change/

Post by **abscate** » 25 Mar 2026, 02:27

1998 no VVT

Some 1999s have VVT

Just turn the cam back to the mark , no problem

You actually have to turn the cam backwards on a VVT car