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"I don't think you're going to get responses about ALL of the special service tools. It's just not going to happen. I would bet real money that even the most experienced mechanics won't/don't use the "Volvo recommended tool" because it is either too expensive, or they can think of a better way to do the job" ...
Ok, I accept that. I just wanted to know which ones you guys thought were REALLY USEFUL.
"In reference to the crank tool that we talked about... I could think of a couple ways to hold the harmonic balancer in place without the tool... but it would have been sketchy... In fact one method that I thougt particularly distasteful was the one where they say to jam a screwdriver in the balancer, then crank over the engine to loosen the bolt... sounds like a disaster" ...
I tried it and believe me it is a disaster - screwdrivers break! (even thick ones)
"When I did the job with the tool, it was like a dream." ...
Yes, very sweet.
"The guy who told you you don't need any volvo tools was technically correct... he might have another way to do the things that he needs... the volvo tools just make the job a bit easier" ...
I sure hope so.
BTW, Steve Ringlee at times has recommended quite a few of these tools as being very helpful. He did not specifically say you absolutely had to have the but he thought they were a wise choice. Since he has remained silent on this one I can only assume he no longer feels the engine holder tool [he previously recommended] is worth getting for the safety it provides. I'm just trying to be a good Volvo mechanic.
"So I suppose you need to re ask your question ... and tailor it to a specific job... like doing a clutch... which tools would be nice/helpful, etc. Then you might get a few more constructive responses" ...
Good advice. Will take it as it comes.
"BTW... did you win the lottery or something? How could you possibly afford to buy all the volvo tools?"
No. But I only use and work on a few vehicles, so, getting the special tools has always been cheaper than what I would pay for labor and parts costs from any shop. Btw, I have never needed ALL the SST's, but the ones I have gotten have proved to be worthwhile for whatever reason. I can understand that a general purpose shop could never financially afford ALL of the various vehicle mfrs SST's. But if you only work on one vehicle brand it becomes another story. I have three B230F engines to maintain. To me it is worth having the really unique SST's. Some of them are just too generalized and some don't even work well, so I don't bother with them. But I thought some Volvo enthusiast just might have knowledge of all of these tools, and I would have made a note of which ones to get. But, to answer your last question, no I have not yet won the lottery - someone local guy advertised a boatload of Volvo tools and I wanted to take advantage of the ridiculously cheap prices he was selling them at. However, as you all made it very, very clear, if I don't need it then it really isn't such a great deal after all. I was trying to jump on the deal quickly but I think someone else has already scooped them up. Oh well!
End of post.
diyer
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