Youch.

Didn't realize between all the tensioners, pulleys, and seals, that really should be replaced, would add up to cost so much.

I'm pampered - I've been driving B23/B230 cars for so long now, i'm used to a timing belt job being a 30$ affair, assuming the seals and accessory belts are ok.

So, I again turn here for a possible bit of help...

Has anyone found a place that sells all/most the items I'll need at an affordable price, or maybe a kit intended for this? Definitly want to make sure the pulleys/tensioners are fresh, good belt, new front seals... usual t-belt job (such fun, isnt it?)

I've checked my usual sources but most of them seem to carry only the belt.. it looks like the tensioner and pulley are up for replacement, and i really want to be safe.. snapped belt = bent valves = b-a-d

ntayler512,

What's your mileage?

Current wisdom I've gleened from several sources is to just replace the belt at 70K, if the pulley(s), tensioner and water pump check out o.k..

Replace tensioner and belt at 140K (water pump if you can't sleep at night) if the idler pulley(s) check out fine. But do whatever is comfortable to you and your wallet.

A Volvo Technician told me that he rarely sees water pump failures on the B6304 and B5254 engines and suggests not changing the water pump unless it is leaking. He says they are of a very durable design and last a very long time. He considers it a waste of money to change the WP unless there is a problem.

In order of critically (to the longevity of the B6304 engine) in regards to Timing Belt Maintenance :

Timing Belt
Tensioner
Water Pump
pulleys
--
1998 S90 062,925 1995 964 145,750

There is an OEM tensioner listed on ebay. Bidding is at $25 now. Item #2409208004.

When I recently change my timing belt I planned(hoped) on the belt only. I am all for preventative maintenance but, I could not justify the money for the other parts. Plus it is a very easy timing belt to replace (1-1.5hrs). With the belt off I found one pulley that turned a little stiff. Also one week later I noticed a slow leak from the water pump. (look for signs of corrosion on that little chrome plated cover plate next to the crankshaft pulley - visible from underneath the car). So, now I have to go back in and will do it all, new pump, new pulleys, tensioner. Since the coolant will be out I will do new top and bottom hoses, the two smaller hoses that connect near the oil filter, and thermostat. I just hope the nozzles on the radiator do not fail....

Don't forget coolant hoses and VOLVO coolant and a radiator around 100K. I write this because an overheated 960 engine is toast.
--
Warren Bain - '99 V70GLT G-Valve > 70K mi, '96 965 >110Kmi Wifemobile near Manassas Va.. Check the 700/900 FAQ via the 'features' pull down menu.

Greetings Taylor, welcome to the 960 money pit... I have been getting great service and decent prices on parts from Swedish Engineering in Marietta, GA. You can check the website. www.swedishengineering.com . I always deal with Phillip, give him a call at 1-800-928-6586, and tell him Walt from Shannon, GA told you to call him for a good deal on parts. He stocks all these parts you need and will not gouge you on prices or UPS shipping. Good luck.

Walt '96 964 wifemobile

>timming belt 2718765 ---$38.00 volvo .............28--non volvo
>tensioner 91355552 ---$76.00 volvo ...............78.40--volvo
>tensioner pulley 1271808 ---$85.00 volvo .........52--non volvo
>iddler pulley 91355560 ---$54.00 volvo ...........36-- non volvo
>water pump 2724821 ---$120.00 oem, $132.00 volvo ....42--non volvo

The first prices are from swedishengineering all volvo parts, the second prices are from FCP Groton non-Volvo parts except for the tensioner.

--
1996 964 136,500 Miles

I second FCP groton for parts. I did a timing belt change with tensioner and water pump from them an got quick service and all the right parts. The "non volvo" stuff is german made and is probably as good or better then the volvo stuff. As a matter of fact, I had ordered the timing and serpentine belts from carparts.com (aka jc whitney) and they sent me the wrong timing belt( too short and narrower than the original) I had to run out last minute to get one saturday afternoon at about double the cost of what I could have gotten it for at FCP. Last time I ever mess with those clowns at jc whitney.

I did not replace the idler pulley or the tensioner pulley, they seemed fine. The tensioner is recommended for every 2nd belt (change every 70K miles). The water pump at 42 bucks was cheap insurance and from what I can tell, mine had just a bit of slop in the bearings.