Engine damage and timing belt ???

[Raynald]

What does the dealer normally charge for this?
Also Would you buy timing belt from Volvo Direct on liine parts ??

I went to an independant mechanic specialized in Volvo and he charge me CDN$360.00 including oil change and spark plugs. The dealer asked more than CDN$500.00...

[volvoshad]

What does the dealer normally charge for this?
Also Would you buy timing belt from Volvo Direct on liine parts ??

I think a dealer will charge about $400-500 (USD) for a belt and tensioner. The parts are over $100 alone, plus several hours of a tech's time. Adding the serpentine drive belt, idler wheel, and water pump won't add too much in labor charges, but probably a couple hundred $ more in parts.

These are such critical parts with failure so devastating to the engine, I would check with any vendor to make sure any belts and tensioners are OEM.

[Raynald]

I think a dealer will charge about $400-500 (USD) for a belt and tensioner. The parts are over $100 alone, plus several hours of a tech's time.

Gee, I have my invoice before my eyes and I'm amazed how inexpensive these parts are. They even gave me back the old parts..! FYI in Canadian currency:

• $62.00 - Genuine Volvo timing belt and tensioner
• $171.00 - Labor (3.5h x $49.00).

On this time, they also checked compression, made oil and filter change, checked compression, cabin and engine air filters, checked electronic ignition coils for cracks and changed spark plugs and even took pictures of it.

The difference: in my neck of the woods, the dealer asks $78.00/h labor, and, confirmed by somebody I know you used to work as a part tech at a Ford dealer, 15% more on parts.

[Jack]

Awesome deal, looks like they want you as a long term customer. I'd be loyal to a shop like that!

[XC70Jazzer]

http://www.volvopartsdirect.com/epc-items.asp How's this look. It supposed to be OEM

Price seems fair, I may go with the dealer or specialist. I'm shocked the engine is ruined if this goes. It's not like my Camry

Sorry the link didn't work

[Raynald]

At first glance, it looks right. Can't see the part number though...

[BillAileo]

XC70Jazzer,

Many cars have interference (meaning if the timing belt brakes the valves interfere with the pistons, i.e., they hit each other) engines these days. I believe even some Camry's have had them (the 1.8L)....


Bill

[PaoPao]

Yah. Do you have a plan buying a new volvo timing belt?

[volvoshad]

The link is for a timing chain for the 3rd generation B28 PRV V6. The timing belts for the red and white block engines are widely available on the internet as well. An example is fcpgroton.

[swedeng]

We only use Continental (Volvo's OEM) belt. If you have the mechanical tensioner style that must be replaced also (the service life is the same as the belt). We check the other pulleys, if they don't roll well, we replace them. Any sign of coolant leak and we put a new water pump. The service interval is 105K (on the mechanical tensioner style), so the second time around we put all new pulleys and a water pump, if none of that was done the first time. We generally put a new accessory belt, too (it has to come off anyway).

Its a big pain due to the lack of room and a lot of work to change this belt, thats why shops charge $$$ for it. For most people 105K (double check the mileage specifically for your car) is QUITE A WHILE so most people have time to plan and save up for it. "Interference" engines are a popular design for several car manufacturers because you can fit a more powerful engine in less space. As long as the owner's manual is followed and the maintenance done properly and at the right time, the cost of repair is insignificant as opposed to a new car payment.