I don't want to beat a dead horse but....I am buying a 1998 S70. Klaus or anyone, could you please tell me the Milage interval for changing the timing belt? and what engine numbers matter in respect to the interval? The car has 80,000 Miles but is in really nice shape. Do I replace the belt, tensioner and pulley all at the same time as I assume, and not the water pump? Of course, I plan on replacing the surpentine belt. Thanks to all.

The 98 model year changed mid production run from the hydraulic tensioner to the mechanical (I just did my daughter's that had the mechanical). The parts to the mechanical system are identical to my 2001 V70 and that interval is 105K miles. If you have the mechanical system, then I'd go 100K if you have the hydraulic system go as Klaus suggested and do it at 80K. I've never done a hydraulic, but the mechanical system is quite easy. I'd highly recommend counting the notches in the belt between the timing marks before taking off the old one so the new goes on the same. I'd also hand crank 720 to make sure there is no interference prior to starting, and then running the engine for a short time prior to making the final tension adjustment if it is a mechanical system. Good luck and please let us know how it goes.

Jerry
01 V70 T5a
101,000

The timing belt for 1998 is 70K miles. Check the engine compartment for a sticker if the belt was changed. Usually it is on the computer box, passenger fender.

Late year 1998 saw a change, so get the engine number off the timing belt cover. Or else, you will need to look at the block next to the firewall for an embossed number - behind plug #1.

Usually, I just change the belt and tensioner rollers. If your car has the hydraulic tensioner, it will be good for a very long time. The hydraulic tensioner is a black tube, Vs the manual tensioner which is aluminum colored.

The H2O pump is normally good past 180K miles.

Klaus
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Mistakes make us learn. Beer is for a job well done.

Klaus , what was the change on the later models in 98 models you refer to?

My memory banks have failed me. It could be because of the tensioner replacment, but that was a few years ago...

Klaus
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Mistakes make us learn. Beer is for a job well done.

Klaus, either way mechanical or hydraulic tensioner, job is basically the same? I have done the mechanical tensioner type in my 99. IF it's the hydraulic tensioner no big deal in the difference of the job, correct?

Other than putting a pin in the hydraulic tensioner so that it doesn't extend, same job replacing the belt. If you let the hydraulic tensioner extend, it takes a good 20 minutes to push it back together, too quickly and it gets destroyed. Still a fairly easy job.

Klaus
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Mistakes make us learn. Beer is for a job well done.

Without removing everything, if my 1998 has a distributor and cap, and has engine serial number 1311299 can I assume it has the MECHANICAL tensioner, and not the hydraulic tensioner? does that mean the original will last up to 105,000 miles and not 80,000?? Does anyone know for sure? thanks for any help.