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[SiBradbury]

Quote: Originally Posted by fergusor (original)

UPDATE:

I started the car this morning and it made a slight tappety noise for about a second then settled down. So I took it out for a run, parked up and checked the oil after 5 minutes and it all seems to be OK.

I think I'll contact the dealer tomorrow and see what they have to say... I'm a bit worried it could develop into something else.

A lot of cars do this, especially ones with hydraulic tappets. Imagine a little plunger that uses oil pressure as a spring. Until the oil pressure builds up, the tappet rattles a bit. It takes a second for the oil to circulate and build pressure in the upper part of the engine and fill the tappet.

It's more common to hear the tappets when an incorrect oil has been used, usually a thicker version will take longer to circulate properly and work its way into the tiny oilway in the side of the tappet.

A commonly made mistake is when people put a thicker oil in their car thinking it will quieten tappet noise when in fact it will make it louder because its like trying to force treacle through the tiny hole that is the oilway.

If i've done a rubbish job of explaining all that, go here instead!:
http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/tech/Hyd...ic%20tappet%22

PS i'd like to stress that I have NO involovement with Volvos whatsoever! Blame Google!