You should get onto D24T.com, there is a lot more knowledge and support for these cars over there.
I did a LOT of work in preparation for giving my car the kind of abuse you see in the pictures above... the timing belt is really key if you don't know when it was last done and it doesn't look good (look for cracks where it bends over the top of the cam sprocket). However, the timing belt on this car is a unfortunately a job that really REQUIRES some special tools. If you try to do it without them, the best case scenario is that your car will not run right because you didn't reset the timing using the correct tools. It may not even start if the timing is far enough off. The worst case scenario is that you don't achieve enough torque on the crank bolt, or set the cam timing too far off, and the valves hit the pistons and the motor is toast. You gotta break everything down, lock it up with the special Diesel timing instruments, set the timing belt tension just right, then use more special tools to torque it all down once the settings are right. The stakes are really high on a D24T, because this is an extreme interference engine, while on a redblock gasser Volvo the belt can break and nothing bad will happen.
You need to either have the right stuff and the know-how to do the job, or find someone who does. Don't try to do it bootleg style with paint marks and a Hail Mary, because you will regret it... these motors live long and fruitful lives if cared for properly but they are not at all tolerant of incorrect maintenance, and will die quickly if subjected to that. I think that's where a huge part of their bad reputation comes from, compared to redblocks which will run forever even if you neglect em.
The real major weak point on these engines is cooling, so that is the other big thing you will have to worry about on your car before taking it on a long trip. Especially if you will be driving through heat. Make sure your radiator is flowing efficiently and not clogged, have the cooling system flushed, and replace any questionable hoses/seals. Make sure your headgasket is solid, otherwise that will lead to overheating and a warped head. There is an easy test you can do to check the condition of the headgasket. Get the expansion tank cap and thermostat tested, or if in doubt, replace them with new OEM Volvo parts (189F t-stat).
If you need help with this stuff PM me and I will try to put you in touch with someone in your area who can lend a hand getting your diesel in shape for the trip... would hate to have ya not make it and another D24T die along the way!
Is yours a manual trans, or automatic?
