1997 960 Sedan, 150k mls; are (lots $$$), problems coming?

Discussion in 'Volvo 960' started by mlywly, Aug 23, 2006.

  1. mlywly

    mlywly Guest

    I love my Volvo but put, about 20-25k mls on a year am afraid of the
    "high" milage it is at.
    On a lighter note, where is a good site to buy Volvo parts and
    accesories? Such as touch-up paint, floor mats; the cup holder that
    comes out of the box (glove?) that is located between the front bucket
    seats, etc.
    Thanks so much in advance. Oh, by the way... I am a female who is in
    the process of getting back on my feet, both financially and
    personally. Therefore I am (really!), strapped financially (and, but),
    have no problem getting my 'hands dirty' to survive!
     
    mlywly, Aug 23, 2006
    #1
  2. mlywly

    pomalley Guest

    I have the same car, just purchased about a month ago, 148K. I've put
    about $1000 into it so far: $400 new tires. $170 a/c recharge (turns
    out I didn't need it, needs a new blower motor - I'll fix later. For
    now, if I bang under the glove box the motor starts up) $125 egr check
    valve timing belt, etc. $350. All prices include labor. Runs like a
    champ now. Hopefully, it'll stay that way. Just make sure that timing
    belt get's changed every 70k miles.
    I found the cheapest parts at eeuroparts.com. Brought them to a local
    mechanic and he installed.
    Good luck.
     
    pomalley, Aug 23, 2006
    #2
  3. fcpgroton.com for everything mechanical,
    vlvworld.com for everything else
     
    mountainvolvoguy, Aug 23, 2006
    #3
  4. mlywly

    mlywly Guest

    Thanks!
    I bought the car 3 years ago w/ 82k miles on it. I am the second owner.
    The first one was 'a lease'. I have not changed the timing belt since
    I have owned it and do not have repair records from the Lease.
    How do I (will I), know when and if (now?), I need to change the timing
    belt!?!
    How much did you pay for your car? How is the interior? Is the body in
    good shape?
    K--
     
    mlywly, Aug 23, 2006
    #4
  5. Change that belt immediately, if not sooner. If it goes you will need to
    replace the whole engine.

    All the best, Peter.

    700/900/90 Register Keeper,
    Volvo Owners Club (UK).
     
    Peter K L Milnes, Aug 24, 2006
    #5
  6. mlywly

    mlywly Guest

    Oh my God!... What is the minimum, (I am SOOO frickin' broke!), that i
    can do. In other words, can i JUST replace the timing belt? Also, is
    this something that (a smart, resourceful... survivor) person can do?
    HELP!
    K--
     
    mlywly, Aug 24, 2006
    #6
  7. mlywly

    mlywly Guest

    I recently had the "Serpentine" belt replaced... a friend (non
    mechanically blessed!), just told me that this 'included' the Timing
    belt?!?!?
     
    mlywly, Aug 24, 2006
    #7
  8. You can replace the timing belt as a matter of urgency, then do other items
    as they become necessary or when you can afford to do them. Check the
    tensioner and idler pulleys by spinning them and listening for growling
    bearings. If they spin nice and quiet then leave them until they start to
    growl or stiffen up. Water pump needs to be checked to see if wear is
    developing, feel the bearing for quietness and no stiffening up. If OK then
    leave till it starts to present a problem. The belt can be changed by
    someone as you describe (smart, resourceful...survivor). Using your skills
    and common sense you should be able to maintain this magnificent motor for
    quite a few years yet.

    All the best, Peter.

    700/900/90 Register Keeper,
    Volvo Owners Club (UK).
     
    Peter K L Milnes, Aug 24, 2006
    #8
  9. mlywly

    User Guest

    Actually the two belts have only the crankshaft in common.

    Tell us where you're located in general and perhaps someone can refer
    you to a reputable shop.

    Bob
     
    User, Aug 24, 2006
    #9
  10. mlywly

    Mike F Guest

    The timing belt should have been changed (70k miles) just before you
    bought it. Look for a sticker on the timing belt cover or air filter
    box lid indicating replacement. If it was, then the belt replacement is
    due again, but it is not really urgent. However, don't put it off too
    long, or you'll be looking at the cost of an engine, instead of a timing
    belt. If the belt has never been changed, then you're literally living
    on borrowed time - it could break at any moment. An experienced Volvo
    mechanic should be able to tell by looking at the belt whether it's the
    original one.

    But it can't be repeated too many times - Do not ignore this service or
    you'll be sorry.

    --
    Mike F.
    Thornhill (near Toronto), Ont.

    Replace tt with t (twice!) and remove parentheses to email me directly.
    (But I check the newsgroup more often than this email address.)
     
    Mike F, Aug 24, 2006
    #10
  11. mlywly

    mlywly Guest

    I am located in Manatee County, FL; this is the west coast.
    Thanks.
     
    mlywly, Aug 24, 2006
    #11
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