9 replies to this topic

[methan]

Hello all. I've got about 208k on my odometer and may be starting a job within a week or so. Depending on the location, I could have a 40-mi round trip, or 80-mi round trip (both are all highway), so I wanted to have a dealer (or independant shop) do a once over, as I'm coming up on my 210k tune-up.

I recently replaced the spark plugs and have a reuseable air filter. The dealer said they do lots of other things too, most of which I forget, but it cost $1400, which is more than the car is worth.

So I was planning on getting an oil change/fluid check, and have them do a once-over mainly looking for suspension/front end issues, and any leaking (RMS, tranny, etc). I'm writing because I'm wondering what items you guys would look at/want looked at if it were your car. The timing belt will be due for a change at 210k, but it's $700, and I'm really thinking about letting it go for a while, despite the possible consequences. Clutch was replaced at 99k and is still strong, and the thing runs like it's brand new.

Sorry if it sounds like I'm hesitant to spend huge amounts of money, but I'll hopefully be getting another car by New Year's.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

PS I'm in Knoxville, TN if anyone has any tips or has any preferred shops. I've been using Swedish Motor Works in Old North Knox.

[troyhyde]

Learn to do some of the tune-up repairs yourself (using this site). I suspect a $1400 tune-up only utilizes $150-$200 worth of parts. The rest of the cost is labor/profit.

[T5BLACKattack]

Tune up is actually pretty easy, even as a first timer. Plenty of DIY's for you to choose from. Timing belt can be checked very easily. If you take off the cover its one nut. What would be the best thing to do, is look under the car and look for anything leaking or anything that is torn or is obviously in bad shape.

[methan]

Hey guys. Thanks for the advice. I've worked on my car a fair amount, and am just trying to think of items to do: plugs, wires, cap/rotor, clean my air filter, oil change, etc. I'll take a look at the brake pads, etc. As I mentioned, it drives pretty good as is, and I'm fairly familiar with what is wrong with it, what I want to fix/don't fix, etc.

Thanks again.

[KKM]

Are there tell-tale sign that the timing belt is about to go or it can snap anytime after the suggested replacement? I've got about 203k and the timing belt is suppose to be replaced at 205k but wanted to try to stretch the replacement.

I usually use this independent Volvo specialist mechanic for jobs like timing belt replacement, and he is expensive. Is the timing belt on this '93 850 car typically can be done at the local shop or is it trickier to replace? Car is getting old and didn't want to spend too much more.

[T5BLACKattack]

DO not go over your allotted timing belt replacement interval, when you bend your valves after your tensioner fails you will regret not doing this job. Belt normally does not fail, tensioner does*** Wish you both were closer, i do timing belts for cheapppo. One last thing you should do methan, has your PCV been done recently, and check your vacuum lines, they all tend to fail at the mileage your at.

[erikv11]

I usually use this independent Volvo specialist mechanic for jobs like timing belt replacement, and he is expensive. Is the timing belt on this '93 850 car typically can be done at the local shop or is it trickier to replace? Car is getting old and didn't want to spend too much more.

The labor is a very straightforward timing belt job, a local shop should be able to do it if they are decent mechanics. But a non-Volvo mechanic will probably use crappy parts, that is the kicker. And if a pulley fails, as mentioned the valves will bend and the head is toast.

[T-RRRRR]

<sup>for B5254FS / B5234FT

9180954 - TOOTH BELT
9135036 - BELT TENSIONER
8630590 - IDLER ROLLER

$161.82 New OEM volvo/ 1 year warranty</sup>

------------------------------------------------------
VS $850 at your Dealer (including labor

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Click ---------=\
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\\
V

[adamdrives]

Pulleys could go bad. I think you would hear it though. Waterpump could fail, that would suck.

Look at the belt and see if it's not in horrible condition. If it isn't you have some breathing space.

And as they mentioned you can save a buttload of cash by doing it your self. Not so hard with the right tools.

Edited by adamdrives, 13 October 2012 - 03:56 AM.

[methan]

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the info! I got a comprehensive kit from FCP Groton with timing belt, tensioner, water pump, and pulleys. I'm going to do it myself here very soon - anal preventative maintenance.

Whole PCV system was replaced a few months ago as it was clogged, etc. I also just changed the fuel filter and distributor cap / rotor too. It's running great right now!