'90 740 Turbo / 155,000 miles
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My 740 B230FT makes a bit if ticking/clicking/tapping noise while it idles, and also a small amount of racket when accelerating slowly up the hill in front of my house. Nothing terribly loud or head turning, but definite engine noise.

It runs well and does not burn oil.

I'm thinking that it might be time to adjust the valves. I've had the car for 30k and I have no idea when or if it was done by the previous owner.

I'm thinking of renting the valve shim kit from IPD (I think that's where it's from).

How can I tell if the valves are what're making the noise?

Any advice on adjusting the valves on this car? Is it difficult?

Should I just turn up the radio instead?

Thanks,

If you do end up doing the valve adjustment, make sure to change the rubber dampers/quietners under the shims. I hear that that helps cut down noise if yours have turned into crispy rubber remanants from age and heat.

Tim

It's easy to check the clearances - more difficult to adjust (special tools as you know). Have a new gasket set on hand and pull the cam cover, and remove the spark plugs. Turn the engine (by the bolt on the crank pulley) and check clearance with feeler gauges below each cam lobe when it is in the upright position. I think the spec is .014-.018 inches when checking. When actually adjusting, Volvo want to have .016-.018, again, going from memory. I have found a noticeable improvement in idle smoothness and low-speed torque after an adjustment...the B21/23/230's seem rather sensitive to it.
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Bob (81-244GL B21F, 83-244DL B23F, 94-940Sedan B230F)