96 855R lifter noise?

Post by **Clemens** » 21 Apr 2016, 07:59

I noticed this recently (maybe just because in spring I like driving with the windos down):

Sometimes when I´m going uphill I hear a metallic clicking sound somewhere between 2000 and 3000 rpm. ALso sometimes when I am slowly accelerating on flat roads. But mostly slowly uphill.

To me this sounds like wrong lifter gap, but since they are hydraulic as far as I know, this shouldn´t happen.

Next guess: my oil pressure is too low.

Another thing I read is that it could be early detonation, but I´m running 95 octane, have now CEL, brand new Volvo / Bourgicor Plugs, wires and rotor, so I doubt it´s that.

It has 185.000 mls, good and fairly even compression, a slight RMS leak and runs on Mobil 1 0W-40, oil halfway between full and empty on the dipstick. I could try running the Level higher, but my 854 and Audi A6 would always consume oil like crazy when filled up to the max.

Any Input is appreciated. Thanks

Post by **scot850** » 21 Apr 2016, 10:05

Could be the CV joints clicking/ Maybe time to check the boots aren't split. Are they Volvo axles or aftermarket?

Have you changed the oil pan 'O' rings? These hydraulic lifters can get noisy when those are failing. You could try a thicker oil like a 10W-40.

Neil.

Post by **Clemens** » 21 Apr 2016, 10:18

The boots look good, cv Joints should be alright. But I guess they are 20 years old. wouldn´t I first here them in tight corners?

I never had the oil pan off. I doubt the PO did either. That doesn´t sound exactly like fun. Maybe I´d be better off pulling the motor and overhaul it completely. But then, maybe not.

I could give 10w-40 a shot for the warm season.

Post by **dyn blin** » 21 Apr 2016, 11:45

Presuming it is the lifters, it's somewhat unexpected you would hear it in that RPM range. Generally, when oil pan rings fail or deform, the noise is heard at start up or warm idle.

The 850 I'm currently driving sat for an extended period before I bought it, and the pan o-rings definitely helped when I replaced them. I've noticed high mileage formulations of synthetic seem to help too, although I note it tends to return towards the end of the changing interval. Oil level kept at the top end of the dipstick is helpful too.

Others may have additional insight related to RPM range you're hearing the noise.

Post by **rguzz** » 21 Apr 2016, 12:25

I wonder about "pinging" under load, as you suggested. I have this as well, sounds more like a rattle when accelerating and almost always under load as you have noticed. PCV is good and Stage 0 is good, and I use 93 octane Shell gas. Compression is perfect, though I use some oil. Intermittently I get P0311 code (I think) which is one of the knock sensor codes. 200k miles. I am going to do an intake cleaning and hope that helps, that's my next step. As pointed out, what you experience doesn't quite fit a lifter tick, that's a pretty distinct sound to me, and is more likely to occur under circumstances noted above, i.e. when the lifters are a bit starved for oil. Does this sound like what you are hearing-feeling?

Post by **Clemens** » 21 Apr 2016, 13:59

rguzz: yes, it kinda sounds like that. starved for oil. interesting description.
As dyn blin mentioned oil Change intervals: I have 9.000 km since my last oil change (Switched to fully synth, PO used dino juice). Volvo Europe claims 15.000 km as oil change interval (9.500 mls), but maybe it´s toward the end of it´s lifespan because of all the debri and dirt it removed (it´s pretty black by now). Since I accidentally poured some ATF into the Motor today when trying to top it off I´m in for an oil change anyhow. I just haven´t decided if I shall run it with the AFT inside or not. Some claim this may clean dirty lifters and remove other debris.

Post by **dyn blin** » 21 Apr 2016, 18:02

I have no wish to bait an oil thread, but based on my personal experience, and testing by Blackstone Labs on my current LPT, My 10w40 high mileage synthetic begins to show results of shearing towards the 30 weight between 5k & 8k US miles, depending on conditions and my driving. Indeed, towards the ends of those intervals, I begin to hear the lifter tapping as the engine operates in the warmer end of the range. Although compression is "good" in my engine, it tends to make intuitive sense given the turbo and tendency for blow-by in higher mileage engines.

Post by **rguzz** » 22 Apr 2016, 15:46

Check your oil pressure to be certain it's not a catastrophe waiting to happen. The think about early detonation, for reasons I suggested above. That's my .02 cents worth.

Post by **rguzz** » 22 Apr 2016, 15:47

Check your oil pressure to be certain it's not a catastrophe waiting to happen and for your re- assurance. The think about early detonation, for reasons I suggested above. That's my .02 cents worth.

Sommerfeldt · Post by **Sommerfeldt** » 23 Apr 2016, 15:15

In my experience, most of the 850s have some "ticking" - I hear it on my own when going uphill in the same scenario as yours. I don't think there's anything wrong with my oil pressure, and I remember the T5-R I had, as well as my first 850, doing the same thing. Unless it gets really pronounced, I have a suspicion it's not something you need to be overly worried about.

- S