I just went down to my '98 S70 to check the type of timing belt/tensioner to order. I looked at the timing belt cover and the sticker on it was dirty, so I wiped it with my hand and... the ink rubbed right off along with the dirt! Now I only have remnants of bar code and no numbers at all left on that label. Is there a way I can determine the S/N of my engine without that sticker? Should I just take the timing cover off and determine the type of tensioner (auto vs. manual) and order parts accordingly? Do I need to replace the tensioner when replacing the timing belt for the first time at 65K miles? If the tensioner is auto type, do I replace the tensioner pulley? what about the idler pulley? I do not want to have my car un-drivable for a long time, so I would rather have all the parts necessary and do the job all at once instead of taking everything apart and then ordering parts.

Please help!

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Vladimir. '98 S70 base, 5-speed manual - his, '93 945 (approaching 200K miles and rolling on...) - hers

The tensioner only needs to be replaced at 140K mile intervals if it is the hydraulic tensioner.
If you have coils over the spark plugs, then you will have the new type of tensioner also, and that would mean that the belt and tensioner get changed every 105K miles.
Most 1998s are the old style, and in that case, you only need to replace the timing belt and serp belt.

Klaus
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1975 164 w/174,800mi (Sold) 1995 850T w/91,000mi, 1998 V70R w/129,000mi

Klaus, 1998 was a transition year for timing belts. Mine happens to have the newer kind with non-hydraulic tensioner. This probably means that my belt is a 105K belt. Being that the car is 9 years old now I am going to change the belt and the tensioner now at 65K miles. I would love to not have to worry about it until 105K, but I have heard bad stories about time induced failures of belts and tensioners. So, I am going to spend the $100 in parts now to alleviate my paranoia about this issue.

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Vladimir. '98 S70 base, 5-speed manual - his, '93 945 (approaching 200K miles and rolling on...) - hers

For what it's worth. if the bolt for the upper belt cover is 10mm, you have the newer style manual tensioner. If it's 12mm, it's the older auto style. Engine serial # is stamped into a flat spot just below the cyl head/block joint on the front of the engine, exaust manifold side.

Thanks, as it turns out, I DO have a 10mm bolt holding the T-belt cover and the tensioner is of the newer variety, i.e. non-hydraulic. Does this mean that my belt is a 105K belt? I think it does. My car is MY 1998, but they did go to the new belts and tensioners mid-year in '98. The maintenance schedule still calls all '98 cars to have the blet changed at 70K. If my car wasn't 9 years old I would wait till 105K for sure, but as it is I think I am going to change the belt and tensioner now. Thoughts?

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Vladimir. '98 S70 base, 5-speed manual - his, '93 945 (approaching 200K miles and rolling on...) - hers

The belt is 9 years old. I would replace it now.