Timing Belt and Front Seal Questions

[360beast]

Originally Posted by Forrest

Thanks. I hadn’t spotted that, but looking again at some pictures of the part online it looks as though those bolts do go through the bottom of it. Is it likely to be possible to remove and refit those bolts without introducing a leak in the sump gasket?

Use gasket sealant along the bottom edge, try to get some under the sump gasket too using a small flat blade screwdriver as you don't want to tear it, I've never had any issues doing it this way.

[Forrest]

I am starting to think that risk versus reward doesn't add up for removing the timing cover. I don't think it is leaking much, if at all. I suspect most of the oil had trickled down from the cam seal which was definitely leaking - a non-OEM seal that had shifted forward and came out very easily.

It seems to me that removing the timing cover runs the risk of damaging or disturbing the sump pan gasket which in turn would be a fairly major job to replace if necessary.

I shall replace the crank seal, which I think is a non-OEM replacement, and the intermediate shaft seal which looks to be original.

[Forrest]

I’ve found a 50 second video by Robert DIY explaining how to use the Volvo special tools. It is exactly how I’d worked out - after messing up my first attempt with the cam seal.

+ YouTube Video

Used correctly, the Volvo tools are designed to avoid the seals folding over or shedding their springs; and the crank tool has a mark to help get the seal to the correct depth.

Embarrassed to say a classic case of “all the gear, no idea” for me on this one.