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

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!

 

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.

 

fcpgroton.com for everything mechanical,
vlvworld.com for everything else

 

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--

 

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).

 

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--

 

I recently had the "Serpentine" belt replaced... a friend (non
mechanically blessed!), just told me that this 'included' the Timing
belt?!?!?

 

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).

 

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

 

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.)

 

I am located in Manatee County, FL; this is the west coast.
Thanks.