Timing Belt Tensioner

This "long fork" style of timing belt tensioner is made by quality aftermarket manufacturer MTC, and should be replaced whenever performing a timing belt, water pump, or oil pump service.

Additional Technical Information

The forks on this style of timing belt tensioner not only keep the tensioner correctly oriented with an aligment stud cast in to the engine block, but also serve as a guide for installing with correct belt tension: when installing the belt at room temperature, rotate the allen key in the center of the tensioner until belt is snug and the the spring-loaded arm sits between the two forks, then tighten the center bolt down to 20lb-ft/27nm. Check the images in Potential Fitment Issues below for an example of a correctly adjusted tensioner.

Product Fitment Notes & Potential Issues

Volvo has updated several different timing belt tensioners to this latest "long fork" style of tensioner, so for certain cars you have to check your engine serial number or current style of timing belt tensioner before ordering.

In P1 and P3 Volvos, with the RNC "compact" 3rd generation whiteblock engine:

• This tensioner replaces both the original long fork tensioner up to engine serial number 3887615 and the "flat fork" tensioner from engine serial 3887616 and up, and can be used on all model years.

In 1999+ P80s and P2s, with the RN 2nd generation whiteblock engine:

• The "short fork" tensioner is used to about mid 2004, with the switch to the long fork tensioner happening after engine serial number 3188688. If you have a 2004 or 2005, check your engine serial number or look for an oval alignment dowel above the belt tensioner:
  • If you don't have an alignment dowel, you must use the short fork tensioner, Volvo OE # 30638277.
  • If you have an alignment dowel, you can use a long fork tensioner regardless of your engine serial number or the tensioner currently on the car. 

See all styles of current tensioner, old tensioner, and the alignment dowel circled in red below:

Latest "long fork" tensioner

 
"Short fork" tensioner used up to engine serial 3188688...but a long fork tensioner can be used on this engine since it has an exposed alignment dowel

Superseded "flat fork" tensioner