Timing Conversion 1993 to Later Wider Style

[Volvebaker]

Thought I’d give a final update for everyone:

The screw in insert worked great, with a properly made tensioner lever! Here is the source of the exact item for anyone looking in the future:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CH8JKNP6

I did have to shave just a thread off the end to make it fit properly before it got too hard to turn in. Your results may vary. I also did put semi-permanent loctite on it on the final screw in.

The new axle went it well, and new axle seal seated without leaks so far. All timing was updated to the later wider style and components and now, so long as she makes it, the time won’t need to be touched until 350,000 miles.

I ran into so many issues throughout this whole project that I’ve decided to delay the radiator replacement and PCV servicing but, that’s next on the list someday soon...

Hope it helps people and thanks for tips and advice I received...

[Crayzo]

Hello Volvebaker,
Thanks for the update, and also thanks for the whole thread overall — it has been really helpful. I’m currently at basically the exact same point where I have to install the insert.

One question on the insert setup: what final torque did you end up using on the tensioner roller bolt with the M10x1.5 to M8x1.25 insert installed?
Also, has it continued to hold up without any issues since the conversion, or did you run into any loosening, binding, or alignment problems afterward?

I’m asking because I’m doing the same wider-belt conversion on an early 850 and want to make sure the insert solution is holding up long term.

Thanks again for taking the time to post the follow-up.

[Volvebaker]

Hello Volvebaker,
Thanks for the update, and also thanks for the whole thread overall — it has been really helpful. I’m currently at basically the exact same point where I have to install the insert.

One question on the insert setup: what final torque did you end up using on the tensioner roller bolt with the M10x1.5 to M8x1.25 insert installed?
Also, has it continued to hold up without any issues since the conversion, or did you run into any loosening, binding, or alignment problems afterward?

I’m asking because I’m doing the same wider-belt conversion on an early 850 and want to make sure the insert solution is holding up long term.

Thanks again for taking the time to post the follow-up.

Hello Crayzo,

If I can remember correctly, I don’t think I could even fit my torque wrench in the space to torque it to the proper specification which is, according to my Haynes, 30 ft lbs (or 40nm).So if you’re able to fit a torque wrench in your space to get it exact, that is the proper values.

That being said, I simply screwed the insert in (with Loctite on it) as far in as it would go; it bottomed out on the block. I then had a thread or 2 sticking out, which I took a rotary tool to shave off, so that the insert would not stick out and, as such, the tensioner pulley would sit flush against block as it should. I then simply screwed the tensioner bolt into the screw-in thread reducer, “snugly,” as I couldn’t fit a torque wrench in there and those values are not incredibly tight, as is, so I figured, “snug,” would suffice. Make sure it still floats freely once tightened down.

As for how it’s held up: it’s been about 8 months now and almost 10,000 miles later and there is nothing negative to report of. Everything has held up and not been touched again since, knock on wood!

Be sure that you convert ALL the related timing parts as, though they seem to look identical, the idler pulley and water pump are also SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT on the later years! And if you leave the early pieces on there, the belt will not ride correctly.


Glad the thread was of assistance and happy to help with anything else that I can!