2000 s40 1.8(mitsubishi?) petrol-sounds a bit like a diesel?

cargrouch · Post by **cargrouch** » 28 Jul 2006, 02:39

Hi, quick bit of advice needed,
Drove a high mileage '00 S40 last night. All seems to be in order, nice car (black with black leather interior) BUT the engine at idle and low speeds sounds a bit "diesely".
Even the seller himself said he thought it was a bit loud, but that a main volvo dealer here in Ireland had told him that it was normal. Now, knowing some main dealers it's possible they just couldn't be bothered with a car 6years old.

Steering (I know they're prone to wear there) and suspension seem fine. Some suspension and steering components have been replaced recently. 100,000 miles on it. As there isn't much motorway in Ireland these would be tougher miles than is probably usual. To be honest, if I got another 50K miles out of it I would be happy at the price.

The car has recently passed the National Car Test, our equivalent of the British MOT. So emissions, tracking, brakes etc are all OK.

Just to clarify, it's not a really loud diesel clatter, more of a distinct but not LOUD tick-tick-tick-tick at idle, and maybe more of a fast low tish-tish-tish at car park speeds.

My question - anyone with experience of these engines (1.8, of mitsubishi origin - NOT the previous Renault 1.8 )? Can you confirm if they sound a bit tractorish?

Just got some feedback from a friend speculating that the Mitsubishi direct petrol injections probably would sound a bit harsher than older style petrol engines. Is this all I'm hearing?

Thanks folks

cargrouch · Post by **cargrouch** » 28 Jul 2006, 05:50

OK, it seems the engine is probably coked up and is a bit tappety. It did seem a bit sooty alright.
Case closed I think

MO-T5 · Post by **MO-T5** » 28 Jul 2006, 07:44

I've never had any experience with that model but have had somewhat similar dealings. It might just need a good long blast down the highway with some quality oil and perhaps an addiative added oil product(STP or the like) to loosen all the crap in the engine. Sometimes an engine will crud up if not allowed to get to operating temps with very short trips. Good luck with your "new" Volvo.