Cambelt worst case scenario!

[Wickedy]

XC90 2009 SE LUX, 130k miles, D5 185bhp [deceased]


Hi all,

So it happened... aux belt jumped off for some reason and it took out the cambelt too... at 75mph on the A14. The noise sounded exactly the same as when the tyres throw up some gravel at that sort of speed... a LOT of gravel that is. What was actually happening was a very rapid chewing-up of belts and doubtless valve smashing.

The belt had sometimes been making some ticking noises on cold starts recently. Having used this forum a lot over the last 3 years, I'm annoyed with myself for somehow failing to learn how the aux/cam belt arrangement on the D5 can lead to disaster As both belts only have about 20k on them, I can only assume something like the alternator was playing up.

Both are torn to shreds and both the crank pulley and alternator are jammed up with shreds of belt, so it's a real mess. The only slight ray of sunshine is that all the pulleys and tensioners etc appear in good shape - I gather they can get ripped out, writing off the block.

I didn't come here to confirm the engine is toast... that's pretty obvious! I'm assuming valve damage at the absolute minimum, but likely cam/lifter/head damage too given the speed etc. I would take the top off to make a start, but that means injectors out etc and it's -4C outside as I write this.

Here's my question: Can anyone recommend a place (preferably near CB11) that could either fit a recon engine or new head to existing, and what I should be looking to pay?

On the economic side... I'd say the car was worth £4,500 prior to this incident, but I have done a lot of work on it etc and I wouldn't want to spend less than 9k or so on a replacement in order to get something I trust.

I know this line of questioning has come up many times, but not that recently. Given the age of the Mk1 now, availability of parts and things like ULEZ, I'd be interested to hear current opinions.

cheers

David

Ps. If anyone has a tidy XC90 they want to sell, DM me...

[Clan]

Originally Posted by Wickedy

XC90 2009 SE LUX, 130k miles, D5 185bhp [deceased]


Hi all,

So it happened... aux belt jumped off for some reason and it took out the cambelt too... at 75mph on the A14. The noise sounded exactly the same as when the tyres throw up some gravel at that sort of speed... a LOT of gravel that is. What was actually happening was a very rapid chewing-up of belts and doubtless valve smashing.

The belt had sometimes been making some ticking noises on cold starts recently. Having used this forum a lot over the last 3 years, I'm annoyed with myself for somehow failing to learn how the aux/cam belt arrangement on the D5 can lead to disaster As both belts only have about 20k on them, I can only assume something like the alternator was playing up.

Both are torn to shreds and both the crank pulley and alternator are jammed up with shreds of belt, so it's a real mess. The only slight ray of sunshine is that all the pulleys and tensioners etc appear in good shape - I gather they can get ripped out, writing off the block.

I didn't come here to confirm the engine is toast... that's pretty obvious! I'm assuming valve damage at the absolute minimum, but likely cam/lifter/head damage too given the speed etc. I would take the top off to make a start, but that means injectors out etc and it's -4C outside as I write this.

Here's my question: Can anyone recommend a place (preferably near CB11) that could either fit a recon engine or new head to existing, and what I should be looking to pay?

On the economic side... I'd say the car was worth £4,500 prior to this incident, but I have done a lot of work on it etc and I wouldn't want to spend less than 9k or so on a replacement in order to get something I trust.

I know this line of questioning has come up many times, but not that recently. Given the age of the Mk1 now, availability of parts and things like ULEZ, I'd be interested to hear current opinions.

cheers

David

Ps. If anyone has a tidy XC90 they want to sell, DM me...

It will want a head complete with camshaft I would think , A used one would be ideal. the cam lobes can turn a bit on the shaft when this happens causing the engine to run rough when re assembled and you will never be able to find the reason why, so don't re use the camshaft.
So why did the aux belt fail after 20,000 miles ?? was it genuine volvo? was it changed every 54000 miles? Is the alternator pulley locked one way and free and smooth to turn the pulley backwards ? Good Luck 👍

[Simmy]

try searching car insurance salvage sites like co part or synetic you may be lucky and find an engine in an accident damaged car.

[Simmy]

there is an engine for sale on facebook marketplace today might be worth a look

[Wickedy]

Originally Posted by Clan

It will want a head complete with camshaft I would think , A used one would be ideal. the cam lobes can turn a bit on the shaft when this happens causing the engine to run rough when re assembled and you will never be able to find the reason why, so don't re use the camshaft.
So why did the aux belt fail after 20,000 miles ?? was it genuine volvo? was it changed every 54000 miles? Is the alternator pulley locked one way and free and smooth to turn the pulley backwards ? Good Luck 👍

As to why it failed, I have no idea. The alternator idea sounds plausible - right now its jammed up with bits of belt on the inside of the pulley, so very stiff both ways. Something else.I noticed was a lot of little bits of rubber in the engine bay - as if it really shredded against something

I took it to a Volvo specialist with a good local rep for the belt changes, I'm pretty sure he uses OEM for those parts. I took a quick look at it that very morning as there was some noise on the cold start and it was visually fine.


Thanks for the suggestions everyone

[griston64]

Volvo breakers Preston quite often have a few engines for sale at pretty good prices

[SIAMBLUE]

I have a late 2005 car I am breaking it’s the D5 185 engine, but the head is still attached to the engine.
But I will think your valves will have smashed into the pistons for sure at that speed.

[Simmy]

diesel engine piston crowns are at least 1 in thick that's why they destroy every thing valves guides cams and camshaft caps and bearing surfaces .

[darroch]

How many miles on the engine and alternator clutch bearing especially?
That squeaking could have been clutch bearing on alt pulley. IME they go on for a while like that though..........maybe not in this case?

[passenger]

I did mine clutch on alternator before 60kkm. I took INA. Now is question how of we should change it