240 General: Cam/Timing Belt Issues

[DJ]

Fellow Volvo'ers-
On cambelts-Just acquired superb K reg 240 Torlanda- dealer history stamped upto 60,000. Present mileage verified as 87,000 odd (all MOT certs present). Any ideas what the change interval would be (c. 50,000)? So is it likely to have been done at around that mileage?
Also, the Haynes manual suggests that change procedure is borderline within my experience/ability but if I had it done by a garage (non-main dealer) what would a reasonable cost be, labour-wise- as; being as it is, critical, I may get it done professionally fairly soon to be on the safe side if it's likely to be still on the original belt.
Any ideas greatly appreciated.
Thanks in anticipation and previous postings' superb support.
Dave

[James_N]

my advice is if you cant find anything to tell you its been changed, DO IT!

Id take a rough guess at 60-70k for the timing belt.

I had mine done on the 740 estate not so long ago. I bought the bits myself (cambelt and tensioner) from GSF for around £30 (i think!). I then got a local garage to do the change for me, it cost £80 in labour, so around £110 give or take a few quid, which is an ok price given that it doesnt need to be done THAT often.

Id definatly take it to a garage to be done though, just for peace of mind. I wouldnt like doing a cambelt myself unless i absolutly knew 100% what i was doing.

[DJ]

Thanks, James-
I was thinking along those lines.

[SteveJ]

Cambelt change interval on the 240 is 48,000 miles or 4 years which ever comes first. Volvo service time if my memory serves is just over the hour so work it out depending on your garages labour rate. Only special tool required is the counterhold to remove the crankshaft pulley though you can do without. Timing marks on the cam, crank and intermediate shaft pullys are clear and obvious, likewise the Volvo belt has the corresponding white lines on the back. Double white line to the crank.
Regards,
Steve.

[James_N]

really as low as 48k miles? that suprises me.

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

Originally Posted by James_N

really as low as 48k miles? that suprises me.

Personally I wouldn't even leave the belt that long.
20K or 2 years.
Whats £20 in comparison to £400 odd...

As James says, if in doubt, change it. On the 240's the belt change is no big deal and the belt is relatively cheap..

Des. . .

[Clifford Pope]

I think the proper interval is 50,000 miles. In theory the sine-wave profile sprocket teeth allow a longer interval, as the belt was supposed to be stronger, but I've heard doubts on that.
I've always changed mine at 40,000 miles. It's an easy job if you are familiar with general car DIY. You can either hire/borrow a crankshaft lock, or take the starter motor off and lock the flywheel with a crowbar, or put string down a plug hole. Or you can use my method and make a slit in the bottom plastc belt cover and spread the cover over the bottom pulley without removal.

You don't need to know anything about timing marks. I just make three snopake marks on the old belt and sprockets, remove the belt, transpose the marks to the new belt, and line them up on the sprocket marks.

Whoever does the job, make sure the tensioner is running freely and quietly.
Make two complete turns by hand with the cover off to check the belt runs properly over the sprockets. After about 100 miles running, release and then retighten the tensioner bolt (rubber plug hole in cover).

While it is off, take the opportunity to check the camshaft front oil seal for leaks, and also take a careful look for water leaks at the pump/head rubber seal on the top. If you are at all doubtful about the water pump, eg leaks, now is a good moment to do it with all the front exposed.

[jetronic63]

It's definately 48000 miles, I have just done mine. Seized fixings were the main obstacle, so lots of patience required !

[DJ]

Thanks everyone- I'll get it done this week!

[DJ]

For reference- In the Canterbury area the going rate at independents was £130-£150. Had it done to day for £144. Phew....