2004 XC90 T5 ticking sound with engine off

brunocerous · Post by **brunocerous** » 17 Oct 2020, 20:50

Today I noticed an odd ticking sound coming from the top of the 5-cylinder engine — after turning off the engine. It’s a 2004 with 85,000 miles and only about 1,500 miles since the last oil change (synthetic).

Here’s what it sounds like:

Is there cause for concern? It was so loud, it surprised me. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Post by **June** » 17 Oct 2020, 21:14

Sounds like hot exhaust cooling. If you can get a laser thermometer check turbo temperature. You might not be leaving the engine idling long enough before shutting it off. June

Post by **June** » 17 Oct 2020, 21:29

I had another thought. If your car has a problem causing a lean condition that will cause high exhaust temperature. June

brunocerous · Post by **brunocerous** » 18 Oct 2020, 18:49

Thanks, June. What temperature range am I looking for as an indicator?

Post by **June** » 18 Oct 2020, 19:19

I experimented with my car today. I had to run the engine 5000 rpm for several minutes then stop the car to get any ticking/ pinging at all and it was nowhere near as dramatic as your car. The heat coming off the top cam cover was intense. I couldn't find Mike's laser temp gun. I did restart my car and let it idle a good five minutes to allow the engine and turbos to cool and spool down. Then when turned off no noise at all. I checked the normal temperature of various items and the turbos were over 700° after a hard drive and after 5 minutes of idle I recall the turbos dropping to 300+°. I would have to either find the old post where I posted my findings or retest it once I find the temperature gun. June

brunocerous · Post by **brunocerous** » 18 Oct 2020, 23:29

Wow. Thank you so much. I’ll find my temperature gun and check it on my next outing.

Post by **June** » 21 Oct 2020, 18:33

I couldn't find the post I answered years ago with temp readings, I looked quit a long time. I can't find his temp gun, but he returns in a couple of days and he will find it for me. I haven't forgotten. June