Hi,
I changed the timing belt on our "new" 940 today. While in there, I found a small pin that had fallen into the lip beneath the crankshaft gear. It's about 5/8" long, 1/4" in diameter, is shiny steel. The corners (at the ends) are rounded a little and the end is a little indented.

I can't figure out what it is. I looked things over pretty well and couldn't find anywhere that I thought it should go. I've owned 5 240/940s now and have done at least one timing belt on all of them and I don't think I've ever seen this before. I don't think it is anything related to the timing belt housings but it doesn't seem likely that something could have fallen inside the timing belt cover since it is fairly closed.

Any ideas?
Thanks!
Lyle

If it is a solid pin, your description reminds me of one of the dowels that locate the front seal housing.


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Art Benstein near Baltimore

REAL men don't need voltmeters.

Thanks Art, That looks like the pin, all the way to the indented end. I thought it looked like it served some kind of dowel purpose. So now the question is how did it come out? I'm assuming the hole in the seal cover doesn't go all the way through so it couldn't fall out once it was installed. Either there from manufacturing or a previous repair?

Any thoughts on why it is there? I'm assuming that since the seal cover is there and appears to be secure, there isn't a need to worry about it for now?

Thanks!
Lyle

Hi Lyle,

Well, the pin does protrude through the seal housing, so it is conceivable a loose one could just fall out. My experience is they are very tightly fit in the block, and after any time at all, on the seal cover too.

That's all I know about it. Whether that's enough reason to worry is up to you. My curiosity sometimes exceeds the bounds of normal behavior, but usually stops short of cat killing.
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Art Benstein near Baltimore

Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.

Thanks Art, that would explain a lot. I've still got it partially apart awaiting a new harmonic balancer so I may pull the timing belt cover back off and check. It would be ironic if it just fell out- the harmonic balancer and crankshaft gear were more stuck than any I have run into.

Looking at this makes me think of another question- If I had a gasket, would pulling this seal housing make installing the new seals easier> It's always a pain and somewhat nerveracking to get them in when the housing is on the engine. Seems like installing in a removed housing would be a lot easier.

Thanks again!
Lyle

The crank seal tool that Art mentions below is shown HERE.

It sure solves a lot of problems I used to have with that job.


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Bruce Young, '93 940-NA (current), 240s (one V8), 140s, 122s, since '63.

I called SPX today at the 800-345-3399 number which was answered as "Volvo tools" and ordered the drift. Price was around $24 plus maybe $3 handling and whatever shipping runs.

I asked if they have a catalog available and they directed me to their website volvotools.spx.com - looks like they are Volvo specialty tool supplier for dealers. Other posts questions whether they sell to individuals but they seemed fine with taking my order.

Now I want to call back and order the tool for the cam and intermediate shafts....

I had the opportunity to use that seal installation tool for the first time this weekend. The added bonus was I was able to install the seal a little deeper that I normally can and it means the seal is riding on a different portion of the crank surface than it was in the past.

Randy

Thanks for the link. That really does look nice and would be well worth the money if they still have them.
Thanks again!
Lyle

I've done the crank seal both ways, and agree it is in a lousy place for me to get my single-focus eyes on it; pulling the seal cover seems to have two advantages: you can do a better job cleaning -- there's an oil guide channel on the inside that might get sludged shut, and you can seat the seal more accurately on the bench.

On the other hand, the seal housing can be a bear getting it off those dowels, and a good purpose-made seal installer* will work accurately without needing to pull the housing.

* Check with lucid on this
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Art Benstein near Baltimore

Never test the depth of the water with both feet.