mechanical tensioner

J_Guynn · Post by **J_Guynn** » 09 Apr 2005, 06:30

I just got a 98 V70 T5 yesterday with 74K miles. I don't see a sticker on the timing belt cover to indicate the belt had been changed. The engine SN is 1030048 which should mean it's a mechanical adjuster. I've read a few posts that say timing belt changes with mechanical adjusters is a dealer only situation.

Is there really no way for a DIY belt change with a mechanical adjuster? Can you swap in a hydraulic adjuster or is the block different?

Post by **dosbricks** » 09 Apr 2005, 12:08

How do you figure SN# 1030048 is mechanical?
SN# 1266128 and up is mechanical and SN# 1266127 and down is hydraulic. Hope this made your day.

J_Guynn · Post by **J_Guynn** » 09 Apr 2005, 16:17

Thanks for pointing out my temporary dyslexia!!! I was seeing the 103 as 130 when I mentally processed that.

Yes that did make my day.

phly50 · Post by **phly50** » 10 Apr 2005, 14:29

Hi dosbricks, I have a mechanical tensioner - is the answer to the question that J_Guynn asked when he thought he also had one, in the affirmative i.e. is it a dealer job to change out the timing belt/mechanical tensioner or can it be done by a reasonably competant person such as myself at home. Thanks Phil

Post by **dosbricks** » 10 Apr 2005, 16:09

I can't answer authoritatively because we have the hydraulic tensioner, but I have read that the install on the mechanical is tricky because it is temperature dependent.

Do a search on volvospeed.com and see what the concensus is over there. They also have an excellent tutorial with pics on changing the T-belt.

Jot · Post by **Jot** » 10 Apr 2005, 18:47

Near the bottom of the following site there are instructions for setting the mechanical tensioner. http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ic/ic60326.htm