Okay, third one this year...motor job on a 99 S70. Not one of my regular customers, someone who got peeved at the dealer when their motor lost a cylinder.

Here's the deal...

Volvo Service Intervals were once oil changes every 3,000 miles on a turbo engine, and every 5,000 on a normally aspirated one. Later, with the addition of intercoolers and water cooled turbos, it became 5,000 and 5,000. I informed my turbo customers of what the intervals once were, and allowed them to make their own decisions. Now Volvo has decided that 7500 mile oil changes are just fine, and they put this funky screen in so that you can't truly see the cams. When some new customers starting bringing their fresh out of warranty cars to my shop (for some reason people still believe that they HAVE to stay at the dealer until the warranty is up) the disgusting stuff dripping out after pulling the drain plug was well on it's way to becoming tar. I've seen so much sludge in the newer motors that I started questioning whether Volvo was using the same oil pump that Toyota was in all of those Sienna vans. If you want the longevity Volvo is known for, stick with the service schedule that enabled Volvo to earn that reputation. At least do your oil changes every 5,000 miles.

Next, and then I won't preach anymore...this timing belt interval of 105K...I don't buy it...I'm seeing fissures in the timing belts at 80K, and today I saw hairline CRACKS in one with 92K. Sure, this belt may make it to 105K, but would you want to chance it? Unless you feel some overwhelming need to gild the pockets of your technician (who most likely rather be doing services and probably even an evaporator) at least have that belt peeked at every 5k starting around 80K.

Okay, I'm done.

Chris