tensioner assembly failure causes major engine damage

tchodgd · Post by **tchodgd** » 24 Jan 2006, 04:27

1998 Volvo S70. Had the 60k service done at Volvo dealer. Had 70k timing belt replacment at Volvo dealer (sept 05). At 75k (jan 06) suffered a failure of the tensioner assembly diagnoised by Volvo dealer. Engine suffered severe damage to the valves and cylinder head. All need to be replaced at a cost of around 5k according to Volvo dealer.

How could this have happened? Your comments please.

Jot · Post by **Jot** » 24 Jan 2006, 06:25

I gather by your mileage you have a hydraulic tensioner. Since it was so near to the time that the dealer had replaced the belt I wonder if the clip on the tensioner was left out or not snapped into place

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 24 Jan 2006, 08:34

Agreed. That failure occurred WAY too soon. I would take it back to the dealer and demand they fix it at no cost or threaten legal action. We consumers have to stop being the "nice guy" and demand quality work for the prices we are paying. If the TA was in that bad of shape when they changed out the TB they were negligent in not informing you. (But I'd be surprised they didn't recommend that be done also or actually do at the same time of/as part of the TB replacement saying it was required to provide warranty of the entire TB system.)

Post by **pfeener** » 25 Jan 2006, 17:53

Either way, whether you have a mechanical or a hydraulic tensioner, (they changed 1/2 way through the 98 model year) you have a strong case that it's the dealers responsibility. The hydraulic tensioner should have a clip installed that will prevent the belt from loosening enough to jump teeth and the mechanical tensioner is supposed to be changed with every belt change.