Hi all, I apologise as i think this topic has been thrashed out before. My 18 yr old son said his 98 na v70 has a burning smell and today we had a recon as he had noticed a rattle coming from the engine compartment. Upon inspection we noticed that the timing belt has been moving in and out and consequently cut through the plastic timing belt cover (YIKES )and there is a rattle eminating from behind the cover. I am freaked that the belt was so slack it is able to slide on the cam sprockets and so grateful we caught it before a larger issue arose. So my question is: could it be that most likely the tensioner pulley is loose or failed ( rattle sound ) or that the tensioner itself has failed ? The car is a new purchase and has travelled 160000 miles, we are the third owner and its previous history unknown. Looking forward to your thoughts. David

With no known history and 160K miles, and no timing belt replacement sticker stuck to the computer box - usual location - I suggest replacing the Tbelt, Sbelt, the tensioner roller, and inspect the water pump pulley for play.

Do not drive the car! or run the engine! The only thing holding the belt on is the plastic cover. Fortunately, replacement covers can be had at the local pick&pulls for cheap.

If you have the old fashioned black hydraulic tensioner, it should still be good. If your car has the aluminum manual tensioner, replace it with the belt.


Klaus
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Volvos should be saved from the junk yards, not donated.

Replace the idler roller too.