TIMING BELT FAILED

I would think that if it was YOUR tensioner that had failed, you would be responsible... however, since they had apparently put in a NEW tensioner, I think they should be held accountable for the failure and subsequent damage to the engine...

of course, they will try to wiggle out of any financial responsibility... document everything they say and do, in case it ends up in court down the road!....

Depends on what the engine was doing when the tensioner failed. If it was just idling they might get away with a few new valves, if it was driving down the road it will probably require a fairly complete rebuild. Usually it's cheaper to replace the engine when that happens.

Where is the repair being done ? Volvo Dealer or Volvo specialist ? either way the repairing service shop is responsible for the repair & all costs. From what you state it sounds like the valves in the cylinder head are damaged requiring replacement of the cylinder head as there are no replacement parts available mainly the valve guides which are not sold from Volvo or on the outside. Post back & keep us apprised as to the outcome of your problem Glenn Volvo Certified Technician ASE Certified Technician

Honey, you sent a note earlier about purposely failing the timing belt. Not necessary now.

If you bought the car from an authorized dealer and had the service done there, THEY should (perhaps reluctantly) accept responsibility. Now, let's say you bought it from somebody else and took it to an authorized dealer -- they should accept responsibility.

If you bought from somebody else and took it to that somebody else for repair, you got a legal issue on your hands. Document what you were told and get a good attorney.

Your engine is not in good shape. Crashes all over the place are indicated. IF the mechanic will admit that *their* tensioner caused the damage, you're covered. If they lie, you got a fight on your hands with a "he said, she said" issue. Too big for small claims court. Needs a lawyer.

Good luck.

Chuck Fiedler Nothing but Volvo since 1974

Hopefully, the crux of the debate will boil down to "it was okay when it entered the shop for work, and that work led to the damage."

Mike