b14.4e engine timing belt

[Olga]

Hi, been ordering all sorts of stuff - but can't do a timing belt myself, anybody tell me if it HAS a timing belt and how often it should be changed? Haynes says every four years, but not for this engine... it is quiet on the b14 4e front...

Thanks!

[340GLT]

Thats because its a timing chain which needs less frequent repolacement.
Adam

[Olga]

Ah! So, after 31,000 miles and 20 years do'ya think I should get somebody to change it???

[volvosneverdie]

Ah! So, after 31,000 miles and 20 years do'ya think I should get somebody to change it???

Ok, strap yourself in for more potentially fatal but well intentioned technical advice:

Timing chains are indestructable. Fact!

Timing belts, change like every 80-100k. ish.
Timing chains, like once every 2billionk or 100,000 miles. which ever mathmatically comes first.

I am absolutley confident in these figures.

and garuntee you that your timing chain is fine.

[macplaxton]

Has a chain. The only time you might replace a chain is when the rest of the engine is being rebuilt. 31k is nothing.

[Olga]

Yeh!! Wow! Good news at last! LESS expense than expected... it trully is Christmas! Thanks!

[volvodspec]

Has a chain. The only time you might replace a chain is when the rest of the engine is being rebuilt. 31k is nothing.

not precisely, if you're not a fan of changing oil + filter on time you get to hear it rattle after a while wich means replacing it.

they do usually last more than 500K on normal maintenance.

[macplaxton]

not precisely, if you're not a fan of changing oil + filter on time you get to hear it rattle after a while wich means replacing it.

they do usually last more than 500K on normal maintenance.

Total true, but surely a lack of maintenance (i.e. "not a fan of changin oil + filter") would result in a lot more worn engine parts too?

Anyway, that's by-the-by, it hasn't got a belt and it doesn't have a set time for replacement in the service schedule.

[SteveP]

Yep... they will last A LONG time with normal maintenance. Best thing about timing chains. Although I know of someone with a 200,000 mile neglected Skoda Favorit who's timing chain was so loose it was occasionally catching the timing chain cover

[volvodspec]

the chain on a VW golf VR6 is a disaster though, it runs along plastic bushings that wear quite easaly. the simple design in the cleon engine consisting of the tensioner, chain and 2 sprockets is definatly a whole lot better!

the cleon based renault 5 alpine engine tensioner is even better, no spring for tension but hydraulic tensioner.