I had my 97 850 T-5 with 200K miles at the Volvo dealer trying to run down a problem where the engine sputters when the turbo starts to run up. I am the second owner, taking over at 160K from the first owner. I do not know when/where he had the timing belt done (assuming it was done some time in the first 160K miles...I'll verify this weekend)
The foreman/master mechanic is claiming that the timing belt is off by like 6 teeth.
Is this even possible for the car to run almost perfectly, getting 26 MPG (80% highway), with the timing belt that far off? I would expect bent valves, myself, not decent mileage and good performance, if I stay off the turbo. (he has also recommended replacing the turbo intake pipe, as there us unmetered air coming in, and the turbo control valve...this all with the timing supposedly so far off)
What do you think?
Joe