Ticking Noise! Volvo 850! Help...

[BeerDeer]

Hello everyone,

I recently bought a Volvo 850 with 350k KMs from a known seller. The car has never been in an accident, has no engine problems, and has been regularly serviced with all inspection papers in order. However, I noticed a ticking noise coming from the trunk when I was adding more oil. The noise persists even after driving and does not change. It is more noticeable when I get closer to the car. I use a high-quality oil brand and have never added any additives to the car.

I am not sure what could be causing the ticking noise. I have done some research and found that it could be due to valves, lifters, injectors, or possibly a damaged engine. I am a student and bought this car for 1k, so I don't have a lot of money to spend on repairs.

I have also noticed that the car leaks a little every time I drive it, and there are drops of oil underneath the car the next day. The oil looks clean and was last changed six months ago. The radiator was recently changed as it had cracked, but I caught it in time, and there was no damage to it. The exhaust smoke looks okay, but it's a little white, which I think is due to condensation as it's -20 here. The automatic transmission oil looks fine, and there are no weird colors.

Although the car drives well and there are no warning lights, I am concerned about the ticking noise. I hope someone can tell me what is causing it and if it's a major issue like a damaged engine. I have attached two videos of the car idling and revving, respectively, for reference.

I didn't perform the "oil stick" or "glove" test to check the PVC system, as I didn't want to risk damaging the car.

Thank you all for your help.

VIDEO 1: (CAR IDDLE)
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VIDEO 2: (REVVING THE CAR)

[jmartin919]

Normal

[BeerDeer]

Normal

You sure? To be safe, I'll take the car to the mechanic for an engine flush and treatment, new oil with additives.

Should I perform the PCV test using the "glove test" method or the "oil stick" test method?

[jmartin919]

Sure, no risk. My understanding is an engine flush can make your car leak oil more. What is that box directly behind the engine?

[BeerDeer]

Sure, no risk. My understanding is an engine flush can make your car leak oil more. What is that box directly behind the engine?

That box is called Webasto, which warms the car using gas while not in use to prevent the engine from getting too cold.

However, I'm not sure which oil the previous owner used and I suspect there might be gunk in the lifter. So, I plan to do an oil flush followed by the use of a brand-new oil with an additive to see if it fixes the issue. I'm a little worried because it could be the sound of a rod knock, which might mean that the engine is damaged beyond repair.

[Sveedy]

I don't hear any rod knock. I think that you just have worn and noisy lifters. I do hear what sounds to me like a belt rubbing. When were the timing and serpentine belts last changed ?

[BeerDeer]

I don't hear any rod knock. I think that you just have worn and noisy lifters. I do hear what sounds to me like a belt rubbing. When were the timing and serpentine belts last changed ?

I'm trying to remember something from a while back.

Is there a difference between seafoam treatment, engine flush, or engine treatment oil?

I'm not sure which one I should use. Also, I plan to get a premium-grade oil for my car with 5W-40 and an additive.

I'm really worried that the issue could be a rod knock (toasted engine).

[Sveedy]

Seafoam is an engine flush, just a bit stronger than most. Some folks swear by it and others swear not to use it.

Oil treatment is just that; additives for your oil. I tend to believe in doing the least and achieving the most, so I wouldn't go out and do a Seafoam treatment yet. A little oil treatment ( Marvel Mystery Oil for instance ), followed up with fresh oil would be a good first step.

The lower ends of these engines are very strong. But they are known for lifter tick. You're not hearing rod knock.

Do the glove test. You won't hurt anything, and you need to know if the PCV system is working. Don't worry when it fails.

You're just going to have to get under the car and see where the oil leak is coming from. I wouldn't worry about that either.

Looks to me like you got a good running car for a good price. But it's at the point in its life where lots of little things will need to be done.

[BeerDeer]

Seafoam is an engine flush, just a bit stronger than most. Some folks swear by it and others swear not to use it.

Oil treatment is just that; additives for your oil. I tend to believe in doing the least and achieving the most, so I wouldn't go out and do a Seafoam treatment yet. A little oil treatment ( Marvel Mystery Oil for instance ), followed up with fresh oil would be a good first step.

The lower ends of these engines are very strong. But they are known for lifter tick. You're not hearing rod knock.

Do the glove test. You won't hurt anything, and you need to know if the PCV system is working. Don't worry when it fails.

You're just going to have to get under the car and see where the oil leak is coming from. I wouldn't worry about that either.

Looks to me like you got a good running car for a good price. But it's at the point in its life where lots of little things will need to be done.

Thank you. I will then ask the shop to remove all oil, do a normal engine flush, put in new oil 5W-40, and some additives.

Let's hope it fixes it.

[scot850]

The injectors on these can be pretty noisy, especially when cold. Same with the valve lifters (hydraulic I think on your car). They also get noisy when older and cold as you have it. Fresh oil should help. Maybe worth looking for a high mileage oil for older engines. Be careful with engine flushes as they can be equally good or bad. The bad is they can clean the heavier dirt of the engine internals and block pick up tubes. Same with fuel cleaners as they can clean the carbon build up that helps piston compression on older engines. Talk with your mechanic and see what he suggests.

Good Luck!

Neil.