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clattering noise when starting my 960 900 1995

A plea for help! Over the past year or so, my 1995 960 (142,000 miles) has started making a clattering noise upon startup, accompanied by the oil light staying on briefly. The noise has lasted a second or two until recently, when it goes on longer. Typically, this only occurs in the morning when I start the car for the first time during the day. My independent Volvo mechanics noted a ticking noise they thought was a lifter problem the last time they saw the car, so they called the dealership to ask about ordering lifters. The dealer parts guy said "Before you hunt down a lifter, pull the oil pan off first,'' but would elaborate no further. They did say lifter problems were rare. Now my mechanics think there may be an oil pump pickup problem.

Taking off the oil pan to check for this problem would cost me about $300, including labor and a new seal, so I'd like to know if there is some common problem with these engines that would confirm that we're headed in the right direction. I worry about this noise because I once had a truck engine starved for oil on startup, leading to its ultimate doom, and it turned out that pieces of a gasket were clogging the oil intake.

Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated!

Jim Kneiszel








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    clattering noise when starting my 960 900 1995

    See in FAQ:http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/EngineLubrication.htm#960B6304OilPressureProblemORingProblems
    sredwine V90 has 105K,94 944T has 167K








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    clattering noise when starting my 960 -- see FAQs 900 1995

    Cannot add personally, except a suggestion to see the FAQs on this site.
    Pulldown menu, upper right of screen, among which is:

    http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/960_90Info.htm

    Personally, I think a link to the FAQs here should be associated with an image of Pamela Anderson (or similar), and make offers of, well, nirvana or nudity... or nutshells of Volvo wisdom. ;-)
    --
    Gregg Shadduck, Mpls, MN -- 2x '87 745; '92 245; '67 Amazon








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    clattering noise when starting my 960 900 1995

    Are you using MANN or Volvo oil filters? Also what oil do you use?








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      clattering noise when starting my 960 900 1995

      For the last 15,000 miles, I have used synthetic blends, 10-w-30, mostly Schaffer Oil. The last time I used Valvoline synthetic blend. I have used Mann filters with the exception of two times when I've been out; once using Baldwin, the most recent change a Wix. Since I bought the car 44,000 miles ago, I've used 10-w-30.








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        clattering noise when starting my 960 900 1995

        In that case i would say try an oil change with synthetic 5w40 or 10w40 of your choice and see what happends before you have any work done on the engine. Italian tune up is also a good idea.
        Good luck
        Justin








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    clattering noise when starting my 960 900 1995

    First, Relax.....

    Startup clatter on these engines is normal. I have two and they both do it. Especially if you do allot of low rpm driving.

    When is the last time you did an 'Italian Tune-Up'? This will get the engine rpms up over 4,500 rpm for several minutes and get the valves rotating and cleaning off the deposits on the valve stems removing any valve train slack. This usually quiets down and smooths out the engine (for a while).

    If this cures your cold startup clatter than you do not have to pull the pan. Just run the engine up again the next time you notice the cold start clattering.

    If the high rpm run does not quiet down your engine then the next culprit is typically the "O" rings on the oil pump pickup. They can leak when old and let air get sucked in. Not a major problem, more of an annoyance. Some on this list have performed this repair themselves and can give you plenty of detail.

    I suggest doing the high RPM run (2nd gear on the highway, rpm ~4,500, for several minutes) first. MAKE sure your oil and atf levels are up to snuff before doing this. If you need and oil or atf change soon, I suggest going ahead and changing the fluids, then run the enigne up. It's not critical but it makes good sense.

    The lifters on these engine hardly ever need replacing and if they do it's a pain and $$$$.

    DEWFPO

    --
    1998 S90 071,245 and 1995 964 154,100








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    clattering noise when starting my 960 900 1995

    Follow thread on "Tappet Replacement for 94 960 Wagon 900" and your questions will be answered on why the mechanic wisely suggested this.







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