97 850 GLT Tapping from engine.

mdelaine · Post by **mdelaine** » 28 Jul 2015, 19:36

This happens infrequently when car has warmed up esp. in hot weather. Is there a motor flush that Volvo recommends to clean engine? I change oil regularly (3000 mi intervals). Is there a different weight of oil that I can use to quiet tapping? Using 5w30 synthetic now.

Thanks

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 28 Jul 2015, 20:59

There are a couple of common problems that cause noisy lifters which is I think what you are describing. The first, and easiest, is the oil filter itself. The recommended oil filter is a Mann brand filter. It is recommended primarily due to the design of its check valve and it keeps oil on the top of the engine better than most other filters. The absolute worst is Fram, we call them the "Orange can of death". That said, the oil filter problem is most pronounced on startup and it typically subsides after 30 seconds or so.

Another common problem that is more pronounced on a warm engine is leaky O rings in the sump pan. Replacing the O rings requires removing the oil pan and that is a bit more difficult than on other cars due to the location of the power steering lines and it takes an anaerobic sealer to seal the pan to the block when it is replaced. I would spot it at a 2 1/2 to 3 wrencher on a scale of 5.

...Lee

mdelaine · Post by **mdelaine** » 28 Jul 2015, 21:56

Been using Bosch oil filter. Will try Mann and go from there.

Thanks

Post by **jreed** » 29 Jul 2015, 05:08

I also have a '97 855 GLT (~180k miles) and used to have tapping from time to time in warm weather. I switched from Mobil 1 10W30 to "high mileage" Mobil 1 10W30 and the tapping has been greatly reduced. If you switch from 5W30 to 10W30, that might help.

mdelaine · Post by **mdelaine** » 29 Jul 2015, 10:21

Before I knew a little bit more about what the "10" and the "30" meant in the oil designation, I tried 10w40. Tapping seem to get worse. It wasn't Mobil. Maybe I'll have better luck using it.