Hola Bricksters:
Just a philosophical question. I have a 1993 245 (nonturbo). Last week after sitting for a week while I redid the suspension bushings,upon startup there was a loud clacking sound from the engine. I thought it was a worn connecting rod bearing,but after a while (warmup?) the noise almost went away. I figure it must be a valve tappet that is not getting oil until the engine warms up. Does this mean that a head job is in my immediate future? Should I drive it until something breaks and the engine stops cold, or should I jump in and do a head job right away?
Thanks for all your help.
Genaro.

No, it's more likely piston slap, even in a '93. Sometimes it's louder than others, but the sign is that it goes away when the car warms up. Most other bad noises (rod knock for example) get worse when the car warms up.

The valve adjustment can't hurt, but I doubt from what you've said that it would make any difference.

There is the possibility, however, that it's one of the rubber valve absorbers on the valve stems. They last about 100k in "good" form, thereafter they're harder and crack easily.
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chris herbst, five volvos.

Chris:
Piston slap? This means a re-ring job,then? thanks for your help.