Clicking noise from engine of 2000 Volvo V40 (1.6)

laidbach · Post by **laidbach** » 09 Aug 2008, 14:13

Hi,

When i start up my V40 (2000 Model) i get an intermittant clicking/birring noise from the engine. If i rev up slightly, the noise speed also increases.

I'm not sure as to what is causing this, can anyone advise me to the possible cause.?? The mileage is 99051.

Have uploaded a clip to U-Tube, it is not active at the moment as it is pending, but it can be found at the link below once it is active.

Ross

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 09 Aug 2008, 15:52

Ross,
Welcome to MVS.
That sure doesn't sound very good...almost like the timing belt or one of the fan belts is rubbing on something or something is trying to start but not able to. What's strange is that it's so rhythmic. I wouldn't drive it until you figure this one out.

laidbach · Post by **laidbach** » 10 Aug 2008, 09:53

I'm wondering if it is maybe the alternator. Not sure, but i think i feel a slight click in the alternator just as the noise starts but it is too faint to be sure. However the noise seems to be coming from the top of the engine and to the right under the cover where the timing belt is.

No battery light on in car though, but sometimes i do get the yellow Engine management light on, then it goes off on it's own accord.

Ross

laidbach · Post by **laidbach** » 10 Aug 2008, 09:55

should mention the alternator is very hot to touch.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 10 Aug 2008, 10:23

Then I'm thinking alternator too. Get it tested...AutoZone can do it for free...but most of their diagnostics tells you just if it's charging like it should and they'll do a "battery under-load" test at the same time. Unless the guy working the machine knows a lot about alternators, you'll probably be disappointed.

You should have a "Generator/alternator" place in your town or close by that actually rebuilds these things. Look in the yellow pages and see if you have one near you...then take your car and ask the same questions there. These guys will be more knowledgeable and have probably seen this before. Hopefully this is it and not something internal to the engine (which is highly doubtful).
Good luck and keep us posted.

stevo48 · Post by **stevo48** » 10 Aug 2008, 14:08

Sounds to me like hydraulic lifters are getting starved of oil, when did you last have the car serviced? I would drain the oil then use a good flushing oil to give the engine a really good clean internally, I would also have the oil pump checked out, if the engine warning is coming on then I should seriously consider taking it to a garage and have it diagnosed, that light is telling you something is wrong.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 10 Aug 2008, 14:23

I agree that the light is telling you something wrong, but the sound is too rhythmic to me to be stuck hydraulic lifters...it's something trying to come on but unable to...or the alternator. Of course, I could be wrong and a good oil flush might be in order. If it is truly oil starved at the top of the engine, you will have minimal oil flow to the top or if the o-rings at the oil pick-up line at the bottom of the engine is bad, the line will be sucking in air so the oil deposited at the top will be foamy. Use a good flashlight with the cap open (like in your pictures) to make sure.