Volvo Repair: 2001 S80 T6 Timing Belt Failure Interference Engine?, cams and followers, interference engine

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

    Can you tell me if failure of the timing belt on a 2001 S80 T6 is a catastrophic failure (ie results in valve train damage) or simply a belt replacement. I believe it's the 2.8 turbo engine.  If it's the 2.9 is it catastrophic? Please advise.  

Thanks, Mike

ANSWER:     Mike, if the belt broke, you are bumming. Probably all the valves will need replacement. Usually the cams and followers/lifters survive, but inspect them closely. How many miles on it?

Mark

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the reply Mark...~150K miles on it.  It's already the 2nd timing belt...the original was done at ~80K.  Does this motor tend to eat belts?  Usually you can get close to 100K before the belt is close to failure.  If the belt is still intact, is the replacement job relatively easy?  Apparently the car still runs...it's just making a serious flapping noise that sounds like it's coming from the TB cover so the owner parked it.

Answer
  If it has not slipped or broken, you should be alright. Right idea to park it. Yes, they should last over 100k. You have to replace all the pulleys, adjuster, and water pump to do it up right. A failure of any of these relatively cheap components can cost you dearly.HTH

Mark