Car has 144k Km, always dealer serviced at recommended intervals, oil
changed every 8000 Km or less. On cold start (even in warm weather) the
valve train clatters loudly for ~ 2-3 seconds on startup. Noise
completely disappears after than, and doesn't recur until next cold
startup. No other symptoms -- runs smooth and quiet, ample power. Low
oil consumption -- uses ~ 1/2 litre between oil changes.
I plan to keep the car for ~ 2 more years. Should I do something about
this clattering, or is it normal for Volvo hydraulic lifters?
Rick
Nick - 02 Jul 2006 18:42 GMT
> Car has 144k Km, always dealer serviced at recommended intervals, oil
> changed every 8000 Km or less. On cold start (even in warm weather) the
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Rick
Have you changed the oil / filter recently ?
Some filters lack a non-return valve which allows the filter to drain out
and takes a few seconds to re-fill, before the oil pressure is restored ?
Nick
new-to-me V70 diesel ( with a cheap crap Fram oil filter I have just been
told to get changed by my regular mechanic)
Espressopithecus (Java Man) - 02 Jul 2006 18:57 GMT
> > Car has 144k Km, always dealer serviced at recommended intervals, oil
> > changed every 8000 Km or less. On cold start (even in warm weather) the
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> Have you changed the oil / filter recently ?
No, but it's due within the month.
> Some filters lack a non-return valve which allows the filter to drain out
> and takes a few seconds to re-fill, before the oil pressure is restored ?
The dealer uses only Volvo parts -- I assume it has either a Volvo
filter or one that is Volvo-approved.
Rick
Michael Cerkowski - 02 Jul 2006 20:00 GMT
> Car has 144k Km, always dealer serviced at recommended intervals, oil
> changed every 8000 Km or less. On cold start (even in warm weather) the
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Rick
The earlier years of this model had trouble with lifters that failed
at relatively low mileage. The lubrication passages in the head were
too small, and there was probably a design problem with the lifters
themselves. If you're lucky, a switch to synthetic oil - with the risks
of oil leaks developing that this entails - will solve the lifter
problem.
If not, you may be looking at new lifters, down the road. And no, I
don't
know exactly what the design fix was. Maybe someone else here does.

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Niels Bengaard - 02 Jul 2006 21:02 GMT
> The earlier years of this model had trouble with lifters that failed
> at relatively low mileage. The lubrication passages in the head were
> too small, and there was probably a design problem with the lifters
> themselves. If you're lucky, a switch to synthetic oil - with the risks
> of oil leaks developing that this entails - will solve the lifter
> problem.
On an engine like that you always use synthetic oil.
Niels
John Horner - 03 Jul 2006 19:15 GMT
> Car has 144k Km, always dealer serviced at recommended intervals, oil
> changed every 8000 Km or less. On cold start (even in warm weather) the
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Rick
Very common and not something I would not worry about. I assume that
your dealer is using Volvo oil filters and the correct weight and
quality of oil, so that isn't likely an issue.
John