Hello kittysgreyvolvo,
Every time I read one of your submissions I learn of something I had not previously considered. So thanks for the most recent missive. It had not occurred to me that the broken fan belt could have been caused by a seized accessory. I wondered if it might be caused by the oil weakening the belt. I also considered the possibility that debris might have been thrown up from below, as I have no plastic guard piece underneath. So I just now ran out to check if the alternator is turning. To my relief it does turn smoothly. Is that sufficient to establish that the alternator is not seized?
As for the smog test, I was fortunate to find a random "test only" facility which was willing to test the car despite it having a leaking exhaust pipe and would leave oil leaking on to the shop floor. It passed. I'm now good for two years.
You asked about the qualifications of the shop. No, they are not Volvo qualified, nor do they have the seal installation tool. Because of an error they made on this job, I will only use them in the future for simple jobs, like maybe a tail pipe replacement.
I am willing to purchase at least the crankshaft seal installation tool,if only I could find a seller. The most recent place I checked (in Paradise, California, don't recall the name) said they no longer sell Volvo tools. I have an inquiry in to Volvo Penta but I do not anticipate they will be willing to rent the tool.
Changing subjects, I have a question. When I logged on, there was tribute to Art Benstein. I'd like to read what he sent in, but do not know how to find that. Do you have a link?
Thanks again for the informative comments