Lifter noise and oil flow question.

pablotar · Post by **pablotar** » 16 Jul 2010, 18:01

Hello, I have a 1998 volvo v70 with 139,000 and I've read a couple of people here talk about valve lifter noise and I'm just wondering what is acceptable and isn't as far as that goes.
I'm becoming paranoid at this point and plan on recording my engine and playing it back for you guys to see what you think.
Here's a link to a video on you tube where a guy records his 850, I think my car kind of sounds like that a little.

Another question I have: at one point he points the camera to show the way the oil is flowing and you can see a lot of it flying around inside the cap area there.

My car has a similar flow going in there which I thought was normal; is it not?

Does this mean I'll have to do the dreaded "oil sump seal job from hell"?

Once again I really appreciate your feedback.

thanks,

Pablo.

Post by **pkc303** » 16 Jul 2010, 18:14

It is normal on initial start up, after sitting for several days. If it goes on for more than 15 min after being parked for a while, you may have a problem.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 17 Jul 2010, 06:57

What brand of oil filter are you using?

If you are using something like a Fram (Orange can of death) then lifter noise is assured on every startup. If the noise is persistant after startup then you do need to deal with the sump O rings - it isn't a fun job but it really isn't that bad. Just be sure to buy the right sealer (Volvo pink stuff). I used the wrong stuff last time and I need to re-seal my son's sump.

...Lee

Post by **jpgurley** » 17 Jul 2010, 07:57

I agree, Always use a quality oil filter on these engines: Mann, Wix, Bosch, Volvo, etc.
Not having an "anti-flowback" valve in the filter is slow suicide on these engines.
Jon

pablotar · Post by **pablotar** » 18 Jul 2010, 13:24

Hi, since I decided to start servicing my own car about 3 weeks ago, I haven't done an oil/filter change yet(I did do the timing belt, water pump, coolant flush and pcv, not bad for a rookie, heh?). I'm assuming it's just a run of the mill jiffy lube. I can't see the name but it's a white filter housing. looks like a wix, I'll change the oil anyway since I did the pcv.
I'll try using one of the recommended filter brands.
I think the sound I'm hearing is the fuel injectors since it' constant and it isn't too loud.
I'll post some quality soundfiles and video of the oil flow when I get a chance.
I bought the car with 128,000 miles and the service records go to 110,000 I think(I'm going to contact the dealer and see if I can get what's been done, although at this point, it probably needs to be done again anyway).
It was a fleet vehicle up to that point and then someone else had it and stopped taking it to the dealer or just didn't have it recorded, although there was a 1600.00 bill for a new dryer/evaporator a/c service thing about 2 years ago.

I jumped on this car because I had never seen an engine that clean on a vehicle, I mean you could eat off this engine, absolutely no leaks of any kind or dirt anywhere .it looks like it's been well taken care of and I plan on taking good care of it myself and know I can do a good job with the help of all you fine fellows!

Post by **EstVolvo** » 18 Jul 2010, 15:20

>>> I agree, Always use a quality oil filter on these engines: Mann, Wix, Bosch, Volvo, etc.
Not having an "anti-flowback" valve in the filter is slow suicide on these engines.
Jon >>>
Could you please explain it?

pablotar · Post by **pablotar** » 10 Sep 2010, 20:00

Hi, I meant to reply to this a while ago but forgot.

Once I did the oil change I was able to actually experience what lifter noise sounds like for a few seconds before it went away, and it was WAY louder than the injector noise. It actually reminded me of an old propeller airplane engine starting up.

The oil filter that was put on by the jiffy lube people did not have an anti-flowback valve on it and the noise that I thought was just vibration on start up(it would literally last a quarter of a second) was actually the lifter noise from the oil being drained out of the engine!
I installed a wix filter and it does not make that noise on start up anymore!

So, yes, after finally figuring out the difference between injector noise and lifter noise, I have to say: not having an anti flowback valve in your filter is like hitting your engine with a hammer every morning.