Volvo: Timing belt, haynes manual, torque specs

Question
Dear Jimmy, I own a 88 240 DL wagon and my friend owns a 90 240 DL sedan. I need to replace the timing belts on both cars and my Haynes manual mentioned tightening the belt by adjusting the nut on the tensioner to the torque listed in the chapters specifications. Unfortunately that torque information isn't mentioned anywhere in the manual. Is there a special tool used and needed to set the tension exactly or is the tension needed pretty much common sense and similiar to drivebelts ie: very snug, yet not extreme.
Also the manual mentions positioning the #1 cylinder at TDC (I'm not familiar with adjusting to top dead center and hoping to avoid this step), and I'm currious whether that's absolutely necessary if all the sprockets appear in good shape and all I'm doing is replacing the belt? If I'm very careful to note and mark the exact positions of all the sprockets marks to the marks on the block, valve cover, belt marks before I loosen the tensioning nut to remove the old belt and I make sure none of these marks change position when replacing the belt I'm assuming it's OK to skip the TDC positioning step? Thankyou for your advice!
Regards, Don


Answer
Hello Don! The nut just has to be tight. I wouldn't worry too much about torque specs. Just don't make it too tight or you can damage the tensioner. Don't skip any steps. It is best to align all the timing marks on all 3 gears before you remove the belt. It will assure that the belt is on correctly. It will be set to TDC. Don't try making your own marks. It can be more trouble that way. If you are unsure about anything let a qualified Volvo technician do it for you. I hope this info helps.


Jimmy