Jules -

I'll trade you my 85 wagon for your 88, then you won't have to do the belt! Seriously, the first thing I do when I purchase a 240 is replace the timing belt. The process to change the belt is realtively easy if you've done it before. The reason that me chanics charge so much is the time needed to remove the additional components that Stoney described. It's also important to change the belt tensioner ($45.) and the front crank and cam oil seals while you have everything out. I usually do the whole proces s in one fell swoop - new belt, tensioner, seal, water pump, and radiator. You can also inspect your alternator brushes when you take it off. The hardest part of the job is making sure you don't mess up the timing by moving the intermediate shaft when you install the belt. Also, if you don't do it yourself, have your mechanic check the wiring harness that is below the crank seal - these have a tendency to become oil soaked and crack at over 100k. I also do hoses, coolant and thermostat at the same time I do the belt. For example, on my 85 wagon I put a new belt ($10), a new water pump ($45), tensioner ($45), radiator ($130), hoses (20), Seals ($15), thermostat ($8), and all drive belts (gates brand $35). For $300 plus in parts, I did everything last summe r - so with luck, I won't have to do anything else for 30-50K.

Good luck Bob Weber SW Ohio VCOA 42 Volvos since 1979