For whatever reason, could not access the BB for a day or so, had to post on Matthew's (just realizing how much info is on that site for AWD Volvos).

In the middle, finally, of the 850's timing belt swap. Compared to my VW, very straightforward; however, I just can't seem to find the mark on the crank sprocket. I've read hundreds of posts on this. The mark is supposed to be in the valley between 2 teeth, correct? What am I missing, needless to say this has stalled the task at hand.

There is a mark on the outboard side of the sprocket next to the crank pulley, seems weird to have the mark on the other side of the sprocket, but what do I know. I do know that I want the crank sprocket correctly at the mark, before I undo the belt. Always get crank right, then check cams. For what it's worth the cams line up nicely to the marks on the plastic cover. I don't want to remove the crank pulley, but could as I have air tools, but this seems like a lot of work as re-torquing will be a pain.

Thanks, Mike

OK, I,ve seen the ridge and it lines up with the mark. Will find the notch cause it's bugging me. Might have been easier to take pulley off, but thinking I'll avoid that at this time.

Mike

Do not feel alone. Everyone is looking for a groove... but what you see is a microscopic 'notch' at the bottom of the valley and at the edge of the pulley.

Scroll down to the 'closeup' picture of the crank, put on your magnifying glasses and look at about 11:55, just across from the tab on the block. If you don't see it right away, it took me a few minutes!!! And I know where it is at!

http://happywrenching.com/volvo/850/volvo-850-timing-belt-and-water-pump-replacement.html

Klaus
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Did you do your Random Act of Kindness today?

If you had the crank pulley off you'd see this:

(image credit: http://www.tracystruesoaps.com/tutorials/850hg/p9.html

You can see there is a 'ridge' on the wieght/things on the end of the crank gear which is completely covered by the crank pulley. If you look carefully with a lot of light you can see it with the crank pulley still in place. This is the mark you're /really/ looking for. It should line up directly with a valley on the crank gear and that is the valley you want to line up with the notch/mark on the oil pump housing.

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1998 V70 AWD->FWD->AWD Turbo 220k+

It's very very hard to see with the crank pulley still on. You're going to have to try to see behind the lip of the crank pulley.

You will know the general area to look because you'll see the cam timing marks coming into alignment

I did this with the crank pulley still on, so I know you can too. Take your time though. The best description/picture I found for the crank timing mark was in the Haynes...

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1998 V70 AWD->FWD->AWD Turbo 220k+

OK, reporting back.

Found the notch, verified using a dental pick to feel it. Could only see from the correct angle once I knew what to look for.

Marks were lined up, so I undid tensioner, but had a real hard time getting belt past obstruction, so after screwing around I took a chance and cut the old belt. But, not before marking old belt to cam sprockets as I read the exhaust cam liked to move. Transferred marks using white out to new belt and installed.

Belt slid past obstruction no sweat, not sure why I couldn't do it the other way. Got it on the crank pulley and worked up, keeping it tight to the intake cam, fed it to the exhaust, where thanks to my marks, I realized it moved a tooth or so. Lined up belt using the marks and wound to WP and tensioner pulley. Intalled hand granade tensioner (previously slowly compressed) and moved exhaust came to "tighten" slack in belt between intake and exhaust cam. Checked timing marks, all looked well, so I pulled the pin. Things seemed good so I rotated crank by hand 2 full rotations. All marks were pretty much dead nuts on! Rotated once more (720 degrees) to double check and life was good.

Could not have done without you guys, thanks for all the help.

One minor detail, previous install used Volvo belt/pulleys, but tech (Volvo dealer?) apparently pulled the pulley and chipped a small chunk of it on the back side, does not impact the serpentine belt/grooves, etc. I'd guess it affects balance somewhat, but it worked fine for 70 kmiles and 9 yrs. I'm thinking I leave well enought alone for now, agree?

Mike

Glad it worked out!

I found the same thing about removing the belt without removing the crank pulley. I struggled to get the belt off for a good 45 mins before cutting it. Thankfully I also found it slipped right in to place going back on.


I would leave the crank pulley alone myself.

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1998 V70 AWD->FWD->AWD Turbo 220k+

Yeah, engine runs fine, pulley has been that way for at least 70 kmiles, I've concluded, leave it alone. There are other things I need to chase first. Thanks for the help. Mike