Hi, all,

Have you ever tried the Cam Spoke Lock Device for your timing belt change (see link below for image)? If yes, can you share your experience of using it?

Thanks,


http://www.floridatools.net/wbstore/main.asp?action=PROD&PROD=SIR2727&CTMP=1&LowCt=0

Many thanks to Klaus, Jerry, and Mike for your valuable input. Never had experience on this so I have no idea how easy CAM can be turned. But I feel more comfortable now, kind of.

The first timing belt I am going to tackle is on my 99 V70 base model with 98k miles. Most of what I have read so far is for volvo 850. I know my V70 has a mechanical tensioner according to the engine serial #. Is there any major difference between V70 and 850?

Klaus - I remember you said in your previous post that one should revolve the crankshaft several rounds to reduce resistence, right? How should I interpret "crank the crankshaft around to #1 TDC"? Will it be generally ok if all three, Intake and exhaust CAMs and crankshaft pulley are kept relatively immobile (assuming the belt was put on correctly by manufacturer)? you say "all 3 timing marks", is there a third mark on crankshaft pulley? Apologize for so many questions.

The parts are on their way. I will update how it goes.

Thanks again,
Paul

When you replace the belt, the tensioner must also be replaced.
There are 3 timing marks, one on each cam and one on the crank (which is difficult to see). When all three are lined up, the #1 piston is at TDC. And, do this before you start taking the car apart! Otherwise, any slips and you are screwed.
Remove all 5 spark plugs to allow the engine to rotate without resistance.

Once you get all 3 marks lined up, rotate the engine clockwise an additional 90 degrees and then back to TDC. That removes the tension on the variable valve timing, and the cam will not try to rotate when the belt is removed.

The hard part is removing the belt around the crank, and then putting the belt back on properly.

Read the write up on Volvospeed/bay13.

Klaus
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I am not a mechanic, so can you trust what I type?

Klaus,

Thank you very much for answering my questions. I ordered a timing belt kit from FCPgroton (Genuine Volvo) so tensioner is included.

One more question, should gear be set to neutral during belt change?

Thanks,

Only if you have a stick shift.
--
I am not a mechanic, so can you trust what I type?

Thank you, Klaus.

I got the parts from FCPgroton today. Though I requested a Genuine Volvo serpentine belt, they still sent me one by Gates. I am going to check with my local volvo dealer this weekend. Not sure why it is hard to find one.

Have a nice weekend.

Don't worry, Gates is one of the OEM suppliers. FPC normally ships Continental.

Have fun, and take your time,

Klaus
--
I am not a mechanic, so can you trust what I type?

Thanks a lot for your help. Enjoy doing it is one big reason I decide to do it myself.

Have a good night.

FWIW I had a bitch of a time getting the belt off around the guards around the crank pulley (I didn't want to remove the pulley). I ended up cutting the belt in two, which made it come off much more easily :)

I was worried about this at first because now my back-up plan was fubar-ed - if I couldn't get the new belt on, the car was going to sit there until I could find someone to do it for me, possibly with a tow etc...

However, the belt went ON very easily, whereas it didn't want to come off at all. Cutting it was the way to do it as far as I am concerned. I struggled with it for close to an hour before cutting it and pulling it out in about 2 minutes. It went on (around the crank pulley anyway) in about 2 minutes as well - very easy.

--
1998 V70 AWD Turbo 195k+

Thanks for the tip. That's what I am planning to do.

Best,

$80!!! plus shipping? IPD has one for $25.
But, you don't need either one. Unless you are one of those guys that won't bother to align the engine to TDC on cyl #1 before pulling the belt. And praying that nothing moves with the belt off.

Go ahead, pull the spark plugs and line up all 3 timing marks. Then replace the belt. Checking the rollers and water pump, of course.

Klaus
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The more I learn, the more I forget. So why learn?

The tool looks like it would work, but I've done 3 belts now (1 with no vvt, and 2 with). Didn't use a holder for any and did just fine. Count the nubs of the timing belt between the cams BEFORE pulling it. Always crank by hand several times through to make sure there is no interference after you have the new belt on. The key is to set to the notch and go an extra 90 degrees clockwise then come back. Now pull it. If you do everthing and some how the cam moves on you, just take the cam up to the notch and then further clockwise another 90 then back to alignment. I think too many people make this seem more difficult than it really is. I see the belt change as mechanics 101.

Jerry
01 V70 T5a

The cam locking device is not a "must" tool, but having one makes the job a lot easier.


Mike