740 cam chain and timing

[griston64]

https://www.volvoclub.org.uk/faq/Eng...imingBeltChart

In my workshop manual for the 740 It's 48k but the 940 manual which covers square and round belts ( square 90-93 and round 93 onwards ) it's 50k

[Tyron760]

I am 99% sure B230E is an interference engine. Change the belt now!

Regards,
Tyron

[griston64]

Originally Posted by Laird Scooby

Just checked my Haynes book for the 760 and that says 4 years/48k miles. For some reason the Volvo 7/9xx Data Pocket page has disappeared from the wibbly-wobbly-web as i'm sure that is where i saw the 36k and 48k intervals as i quoted above. Fairly certain an older 740 Haynes book quoted 36k miles on the square toothed belt and that tallies again with what i quoted above.

If memory serves the B230E is non-interference so won't be a major problem if it does fail, just inconvenient although prevention is always better than cure.

Quite the opposite Dave. The B230 series is non-interference with the exception of the B230E.

[Offgrid]

Once again, I'm grateful for the help and advice you guys are giving me. It' a great help in getting me back into the petrol engined vehicle mindset. The last 5 MOTs had the same mileage - you guessed it, the odometer isn't working. Thus there is no way of knowing when the last cam belt or oil change was made. I need to stop enjoying the sunshine on the beach and get on with some maintenance.

I've put off buying a cam belt as I wanted to verify that the engine really is a B230E, and it isn't just the cam belt cover that is for that engine. Are the cam belts the same for all of those engines? Is there a part number stamped on the block or the head? Obviously the VIN is no use as it has had an engine swop.

I'm wondering if I should take the dist cap off and check the points (do these engines still use a contact breaker?).

I would like to check the ignition timing, and I remember I used to use a strobe light for this. Is this still possible, and is it the best method?

[360beast]

All redblocks use the same cambelt, square tooth belt and then after 1993 it went to a round tooth belt. As yours has had the engine swapped I would take the top cover off (just need to pull it forward a bit) and double check if yours has a square or round tooth belt.

Square tooth 271713
Round tooth 3507704

Use a genuine Volvo one as they're built to last and virtually the same price as aftermarket ones.

[Offgrid]

I watched a couple of Youtube videos about changing the cam belt, and they seem to say that one needs a crankshaft retaining tool to do the job. I managed to find one, but it costs £40+ for a bent bit of metal. Is this tool really essential to do the job?

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by Offgrid

I watched a couple of Youtube videos about changing the cam belt, and they seem to say that one needs a crankshaft retaining tool to do the job. I managed to find one, but it costs £40+ for a bent bit of metal. Is this tool really essential to do the job?

It's not essential as long as you're careful, however you can borrow one from Loki_the _GLT for a donation to a charity - he may pop up on the thread and make the offer.

[Ian21401]

As Dave says. Not essential. Just take care. I’ve done my B200F three times to date and about to do it again. All OEM parts.

[Offgrid]

It looks as if Loki is in Cheshire, so postage there and back could be a few quid. I always feel a bit uncomfortable about borrowing tools, so I may just buy one. I hear the comment about being careful, but if I am doing the job in a layby or on the beach, I may get distracted.
I'm 80 next week, so maybe I'll buy one as a birthday present to me.

i've just ordered a strobe timing light for the ignition, as i don't think i'm good enough to adjust it by ear.

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by Offgrid

It looks as if Loki is in Cheshire, so postage there and back could be a few quid. I always feel a bit uncomfortable about borrowing tools, so I may just buy one. I hear the comment about being careful, but if I am doing the job in a layby or on the beach, I may get distracted.
I'm 80 next week, so maybe I'll buy one as a birthday present to me.

i've just ordered a strobe timing light for the ignition, as i don't think i'm good enough to adjust it by ear.

If your distributor is mounted on the rear end of the cylinder head, cancel your order for the strobe light as it's non-adjustable!

Also thinking in terms of your age and knowing how tight the crank pulley bolt has to be, i would suggest a different approach - put it in to a trusted local mechanic, it should take less than an hour and will save you the prospect of a visit to A&E at the QA.

Money well spent IMHO and i expect i probably speak for others in saying we'd prefer to see you on these pages asking questions/advice and hopefully even just posting happy events involving you and your car than not!