Hi folks,

It seems the 15mm socket for the timing belt tensioner is in my dad's car - and he's at work until later this afternoon. So I have a while to post my 'tune-up findings.'

The heater valve was tough, and my back started to spasm. Next time (in 8 years!) I'll remove the intake manifold!

The harmonic balancer that failed was scary. The rubber was uneven and cracked, and the paint was rusting off. I could grip it and turn the outer part while holding the inner part still.

Fedex delivered the replacement HB while I was removing the old one. What timing!

The rope trick worked well! So now I am happy I didn't get the counterhold tool. I'm sure the rope will work again when tightening the pulley after the TB's changed. Having a long (4') pipe on my 18" breaker bar made things easy.

The aftermarket pump was an odd fit, with lots of grunting and 'tsk!' (I don't swear much). I can see how an OEM Volvo pump would make things easier. But it got in ok, and now all I have to do is get the fan studs out of the old pump.

Thanks, everybody, without your help, I'd be lost!

Ari