Ticking noise while starting, and short hum after turning over.

Camaro737 · Post by **Camaro737** » 17 May 2023, 06:54

Hi, I have been researching this problem and have had no luck so I'm hoping I can get some help. I have a 98 S70 non-turbo, it runs great but almost every time I start it there is a ticking noise coming from the engine. It starts completely normally every time and the ticking is only while I engage the starter leading me to believe that is my problem. It doesn't do it every single time though. When I listened with the hood up it does come from the starter location. Also, some of the time once the car is started I hear this terrible whirring hum noise that almost sounds like a belt rubbing or something of that nature, I find that if I let go of the key just as the car starts I can get it to do it most of the time. If I hold it just for a split second longer it usually doesn't do it. Which is why again, I believe it to be the starter but I really don't know and I can't afford to put a new one on for no reason. This whirring noise doesn't sound like metal so that is what's very confusing. If it is the starter I will replace it ASAP. My timing belt has to be replaced in about 8,000 more miles, belts are in great shape, new plugs, new oil and OEM filter. If anyone has info about this it's greatly appreciated. Also another side note, the ticking I hear on start up almost sounds like a buildup of pressure, 2 mechanics said my PCV valve is good but a little amount of smoke does come from the oil cap and dipstick? (I'm confused on how it's all good then) Could the PCV valve be making the ticking and whirring sound? The whirring sound lasts about 30 seconds and doesn't change with rpms, or going into any gear.

duke1 · Post by **duke1** » 17 May 2023, 14:23

hi are you sure its the starter?i do know when these volvos get old the hydraulic tappets drain out of oil while sitting and for the first few seconds after starting they rattle until the oil pressure rises and then they get quiet,my 855 will rattle if you press the throttle and start it but if you do not throttle it and just turn the key theres next to no rattle from tappets higher mileage makes it more likely mines at 1600000 miles so i forgive it.
not sure where your based but here a so called recon starter is still £150 but hard to find correct one off the shelf,good luck

Camaro737 · Post by **Camaro737** » 17 May 2023, 15:11

I'm not sure its the starter but it's the only thing that would make sense. I'm in the east coast so I can pick up and OEM starter for $400 or a bosch for around $200. I've seen a couple bad reviews on the bosch. I'm going to try and get a stethoscope and see the issue.

Post by **scot850** » 17 May 2023, 19:36

Can you record it and post it?

It may well be your starter bendix is not disengaging after starting and hence the hum and ticking. Easier to tell we can hear it.

A junkyard starter is probably $30 or so. They are not terrible to change, just a little fiddly.

Neil.

Camaro737 · Post by **Camaro737** » 18 May 2023, 07:37

Thanks for the help so far! I can post a video as soon as I can. As for what it is, I am now even more confused. I put a stethoscope on the starter and heard the noise but not very loud, I moved it around the engine and tried other places, sounds the exact same wherever I listened, no louder, no quieter. When I put it on the starter I could hear it clearly and from my ears it sounds perfect? The motor is barely even audible and as soon as the key was let go I could hear it disengage and slow down. No weird noises. As for doing the research I've looked and looked and found sadly no leads. I should probably point out this noise started after a bad injector caused my engine to hydrolock... but compression tests showed 150psi each cylinder and when cranking without spark plugs and fuel. The engine did sound completely fine. No oil leaking, nothing, no smoke out of exhaust. And again, absolutely no noises while driving, it drives better than when I bought it after replacing the injectors, so I almost completely doubt I damaged any valves or rods because again, I hear no noises under any circumstances after it has started. I might not be able to figure it out which is disappointing. Maybe I'll be able to get it figured out when I have a volvo shop do the timing belt

Camaro737 · Post by **Camaro737** » 18 May 2023, 08:44


20230207_200018.mp4: (37.04 MiB) Downloaded 200 times; Ticking isn't clear but whir is

Post by **BlackBart** » 18 May 2023, 09:54

I suspect post #4 was written by a bot.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 18 May 2023, 10:17

BlackBart wrote: ↑18 May 2023, 09:54 I suspect post #4 was written by a bot.

A little off tone, wasn't it.
Check this new person's post history. Four posts in four minutes last night. All the same tone.
volvolugnut

Post by **BlackBart** » 18 May 2023, 10:51

And trying to sell things with links.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 18 May 2023, 15:53

All evidence of his posts now gone.
volvolugnut