2003 Volvo S40 Oil Leak, timing belt

2003 VOLVO S40

107,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

DIY_TBONE

MEMBER
1 POST

I have an oil leak from the upper part of my engine. I have removed the timing belt cover and some oil is present as it is being slung around by the cam shaft pulleys and timing belt. I have been planning to change the timing belt but the oil leak should be fixed first, right? I have ordered a timing belt kit but I do not think I should contaminate the new belt with engine oil.

Is there a prime suspect (gasket or seal) for the source of this oil leak? Is there an immediate danger that oil contamination may cause an issue with the timing belt? I am worried the oil could could cause a timing belt slip? Thanks for your help.

Dec 20, 2009 at 10:19 AM

MHPAUTOS

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

Thank you for the donation.

Common cause of this leak will be the camshaft seal and the front main crank seal, you should be replacing both when you do the belt, the problem will be oil contaminating the belt, it won't cause it to slip, but it will decrease the life of the belt and at best it will squeal like a stuck pig.....mark (mhpautos)

Dec 21, 2009 at 3:53 AM

CARSRFUN

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I just changed the timing belt on my 92 Volvo 740, it is running great. I bought mine from a store called qeautoparts.com, a guy named Javier located the belt very quickly at an excellent price. I'm sure they'll have the seals as well. Good luck with that.

Jan 11, 2010 at 4:47 PM

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