Hello,

While there is a split, it occured in the '98 model year, not on the '99 and newer 70 series. Most (if not all) of the '98's I have worked with have the newer style mechanical tensioner. As Rule said, they have the distributor ignition, mechanical throttle, etc. still, but have the newer tensioner. Any '99 should definitely have the mechanical type (in fact I would personally put money on it). This applies only to the 5 cylinder engines, as some of the S80's used the hydraulic tensioner into '99. In any case, I would probably do the belt soon if it were me (being almost ten years old). I did mine at 90K on my 2000 (last March). Never, under any cirsumstance, replace the belt without the tensioner with this type. These mechanical tensioners were problematic the first few years (not worth the risk of engine damage for a less than $100 part). Do the pulley with every belt change on that car. Anyway, I hope this helps. Let me know if you need anything else.

Good luck,

Joe S. - Volvo Master Technician

2000 S70 AWD, 1995 850 Turbo, 1981 242 Turbo w/intercooler

Timing chains with tensioners last the life of a car without any servicing so why did Volvo go with this, in my opinion, inferior timing belt design? Also why did Volvo hide the water pump behind the timing belt making it very difficult to change, again in my opinion an inferior design? I would suggest changing the water pump along with the timing belt as preventative maintenance.

Klaus, is the engine number you talk about, located on the black timing belt cover listed as serial number? just want to make sure that is the engine number.
Mine reads on the black plastic timing case, part # 6821667, and serial # 1528655. Thanks for any help.

kenzoil

Your dealer is correct. Timing Components up to Eng # 1266127 (models with Automatic Tensioner)are the old style and good for 70K miles. You could take the timeing belt cover off (one nut) and look at the tensioner. A black tube is the old style. Someone once told me that if the engine has coil over plugs, then it is the new style.

Even if it is the new tensioner, I wouldn't trust it for the entire 105K miles. The early tensioners had longevity problems, since fixed.


http://www.fcpgroton.com/CSV70/csv70timing.htm

Klaus

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The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)