need input on ticking noise when cold??

glowbug · Post by **glowbug** » 20 Jan 2010, 18:43

Hello, I have just recently aquired a 850 Non Turbo with a little over 165K auto, very well maintained but I noticed I have a slight ticking noise in the top of the head area (when cold) as soon as it warms up (maybe a minute or two) it will go away, I have noticed that it might of gotten a bit louder in the past few days.
-I do not drive it very far maybe a 2-3 miles to work but I do let it warm up at least 5-10 minutes in the morning before taking off .
-Is this a common issue with these cars?

landyacht33 · Post by **landyacht33** » 20 Jan 2010, 18:55

you have good oil level?

Post by **MNCO1** » 20 Jan 2010, 18:56

I had something that sounded like squirrel chatter, even popped the hood to make sure one didn't get in there somehow. I could not narrow down where it was but it too went away after a little warm up. I had planned on doing the timing belt, tensioner, pulley and roller but decided to do water pump too. I haven't heard the noise these last couple of days since but not certain it came from a part I replaced. Curious what the experts suggest.

glowbug · Post by **glowbug** » 20 Jan 2010, 19:03

oil is due for a change and from what I have heard I will go with a synthetic, and I proabably choosr Mobil 1 unless someone suggests differently????? what grade, 10w30? should be okay? I live in Michigan so not too cold but NOT warm either.
as far as it being low it is about a 1/4 to a 1/2 quart low. nut still in the safe zone.
I have tried to use a short broom handle as a stethescope to close in on the area and it almost seems like it is on the top side of the head.

landyacht33 · Post by **landyacht33** » 20 Jan 2010, 19:11

mine has always done that on initial start up especially when its cold out. i assume because all of the oil has gone to the bottom of the engine and the head is mostly dry at start up. i would monitor it and if it gets worse then persue something more

Post by **wheelsup** » 20 Jan 2010, 19:47

I made some videos long ago...does it sound like any of these?

Startup Noise

Lifter noise when cold

Lifter noise when warm

I wish I could rig up an oil pump to run 5 secs or so before startup to place more oil on the top of the head. I wonder if that would extend the life much?

Post by **jblackburn** » 20 Jan 2010, 20:44

If the noise is what I think it is, it's the valves being a bit starved for oil at startup/idle. Several things may help you:

-Use a MANN/Volvo filter only. Don't use the orange Fram ones.
-Synthetic would help. I use 10W-30, but it gets well into the 90's here in the summer...in Michigan I'd say you're safe with a 5W-30 year-round.
-Oil level makes a huge difference with noise in these cars. If they're not filled exactly to the max line, they get noisy. Pickiest. Cars. Ever.
-If none of these help, the o-rings on the oil pickup lines in the oil pan deteriorate with age, and need to be replaced. I'd do this as a last resort, because the replacement, while not overly hard, is a pain because of the lines that have to be bent out of the way to remove the oil pan.

volvslow · Post by **volvslow** » 20 Jan 2010, 20:57

jablackburn wrote:-Use a MANN/Volvo filter only. Don't use the orange Fram ones.

i couldnt agree more with this. cut a fram filter in half and you will find what looks like corrigated cardboard!! if you put a fram on a ford 3v 5.4l engine you can kiss your cam phasers and tappets goodbye.

glowbug wrote:I proabably choosr Mobil 1 unless someone suggests differently?????

royal purple. a little more expensive than mobile1. but worth every pennie

i pick it up at my local napa store. i get it for 10% above cost but you could buy in bulk off ebay and save a good bit.

Toplights · Post by **Toplights** » 21 Jan 2010, 04:40

Have to agree with the posters about only using the genuine oil filters for these cars,if the noise only lasts for a min i would say it was normal my V70 is the same.

icelandic · Post by **icelandic** » 21 Jan 2010, 07:15

I think previous posters covered almost everything regarding oil, filter (always OEM-they have a check valve that does not let the oil go back to the sump when the engine is off), pan o-rings etc. Just one more thing: when the engine is cold, the injectors get noisier as they have to work harder to inject more fuel. Their clatter increases when cold and it appears that this is a part of the noise, although it seems, the tapping noise is more related to oil. On the other hand, the oil does not seem to be past due, and by the amount of it over the cams, it would appear that you do not have a o-ring issue. Maybe oil type shoud be investigated first.