How to tell if Timing Belt Service had ever been done ? Topic is solved

hmsky83 · Post by **hmsky83** » 04 May 2020, 16:52

Was wondering how can I be certain if this 2nd hand vehicle I purchased has ever had a timing belt service done ? I've become more and more suspicious it has Not, to be honest. I've just parked it in the garage until I can find out more. Luckily I have another vehicle to drive. The car has 159 000 Miles so normally it would be almost due for the 2nd service but I fear it never had it's 1st either.

If I took some photos can you guys can help me make a clear conclusion. Hopefully I'm wrong but I don't think so. I'm not sure if I will do this myself or try to find an experienced Volvo Mechanic in the Seattle area, who has reasonable rates. Will be adding photos soon as I get home. Thanks in advance to everyone for the help and advice

Post by **E Showell** » 04 May 2020, 17:31

There is a sticker that comes with a timing belt change kit that gets applied inside the engine bay. Some mechanics will use permanent marker inside the engine bay. If I see neither, or don't get a receipt on a used car I buy, first thing I do is a full t-belt change, water pump, tensioner, idler.

Post by **abscate** » 04 May 2020, 17:51

Interval for the 2001 is 105k miles/12 years. Take the timing belt cover off and have a look for markings on the belt. These belts are robust and are not to be feared for failure until well past the change point, especially if you drive them in an adult fashion I ran a 1999 for 140k miles

hmsky83 · Post by **hmsky83** » 05 May 2020, 04:46

Any help would be appreciated.

Post by **darrylrobert** » 05 May 2020, 06:01

if in doubt just change it. and i see you have an old style VVT valve, change that too or remove and check it works. mine clicked like it was working but i removed it and it was seized up.I am seeing huge improvement to fuel economy.

if there is no writing on the belt its probably not new

hmsky83 · Post by **hmsky83** » 05 May 2020, 06:20

darrylrobert wrote: ↑05 May 2020, 06:01 if in doubt just change it. and i see you have an old style VVT valve, change that too or remove and check it works. mine clicked like it was working but i removed it and it was seized up.I am seeing huge improvement to fuel economy.

if there is no writing on the belt its probably not new

Can you point out the vvt part you're saying to change / test in the picture ? Is it hard to do ?.

hmsky83 · Post by **hmsky83** » 05 May 2020, 06:33

darrylrobert wrote: ↑05 May 2020, 06:01 if in doubt just change it. and i see you have an old style VVT valve, change that too or remove and check it works. mine clicked like it was working but i removed it and it was seized up.I am seeing huge improvement to fuel economy.

if there is no writing on the belt its probably not new

Is this part what I may need ?

volvooh · Post by **volvooh** » 05 May 2020, 06:41

If you go to Carfax, it has a free service that you can register for that allows you to track service history for several vehicles. It is of course dependent on the mechanic to detail that the time belt was done specifically, but I was able to verify TB service done on an XC90 I purchased last summer when the PO was unaware of the last TB service.

hmsky83 · Post by **hmsky83** » 05 May 2020, 06:59

volvooh wrote: ↑05 May 2020, 06:41 If you go to Carfax, it has a free service that you can register for that allows you to track service history for several vehicles. It is of course dependent on the mechanic to detail that the time belt was done specifically, but I was able to verify TB service done on an XC90 I purchased last summer when the PO was unaware of the last TB service.

Are you sure it's free cuz I just went to Carfax and it says it's $39 ?

hmsky83 · Post by **hmsky83** » 05 May 2020, 07:28

hmsky83 wrote: ↑05 May 2020, 06:59
volvooh wrote: ↑05 May 2020, 06:41 If you go to Carfax, it has a free service that you can register for that allows you to track service history for several vehicles. It is of course dependent on the mechanic to detail that the time belt was done specifically, but I was able to verify TB service done on an XC90 I purchased last summer when the PO was unaware of the last TB service.
Are you sure it's free cuz I just went to Carfax and it says it's $39 ?

Thanks man !!! Checked Carfax and seen all the services done by past owners, but no luck with timing belt service SMH.