Hiya Mr. Walker! Hope all's aces and eights and you, yours, your colleagues, and everyone and everything are in the finest of fettles this and everyday!!!

Hi HerrGruyere,

Oooch! Verify the timing belt change! I'm unsure the mileage. Something like 70k or 100k miles or less for a B6304 belt change. Also, the timing belt tensioner is hydraulic on the whiteblock engines. (Unlike the spring tension to set t-belt tension and then apply retainer nut torque on them over head cam redblock engines in 240 and newer.)

I'm unsure, yet feeble memory, yet now verified by an i-net search, indicates you replace the B6304 t-belt tensioner with each new B6304 timing belt in 960, S&V90 up to 1998. Also, you replace the tensioner idler pulley and some other bits. The Volvo 700-900 Series is sort of lax on 960, S&V 90 (up to 1998) info. Maybe I missed the info? Here is on of several pages in the FAQ on 960, S&V 90 (up to 1998). Found the page. Link opens in browser tab or window:

960-90 Series Information: Volvo Maintenance FAQ for 7xx/9xx/90 Cars

URL (Copy and Paste)
https://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/960_90Info.htm


960 Timing Belt Change in B6300 Series Engines.

URL:
https://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/EngineSealsBeltsVent.htm#960TimingBeltChange

Yet as you write, you think it through, so I bet you replaced the belt, tensioner, and pulleys, and other bits?

FCP Euro has a kit for 1997-1998 S&V 90, yet dunno if OEM quality and / or OEM bits. Maybe want to service the serpentine belt and idle pulleys also. Engine oil is deleterious to any of these belts. Yet the timing belt is of the utmost concern!

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo-timing-belt-kit-and-water-pump-kit-comprehensive-tbkit270wp-1



I'll guess Continental is OEM for the t-belt? I've seen t-belt made of kevlar somewhere for red and white block engines. I know INA brand is now OEM for redblock overhead cam. Dunno about white block. Yet best to get OEM as Volvo blue box or get the OEM from the OEM manufacturer!

Really want an S&V 90, yet not ever going to happen. One without neglect and abuse with an M90L 5-speed would be swell. I like the torque yet worry the S&V 90 is a little touchy. I guess needs a very expanded tool set to care for them properly. Like rear IRS suspension bushing replacement! I'd go for urethane and lot of silicon grease (SuperLube NLGI 2)! Wish you could use something other than them Nivomats. A stiffer less plush ride would be swell. Then ply the rotten roads of the midwest! Ugh!

Sorry to go on so.

Mr. Walker and others like Uncle Spook will have useful guidance. That Earl Grey tea I have daily makes for a keyboard gadfly!

Earl Grey Tea with hunny and milk Boyeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!
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Jonathan Harshman Winters III: The Mightiest, Greatest, & Most Powerful North American Comedian & Comedic Actor in Perpetuity!