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Ticking sound in Volvo V70 (2005) -- coming from belt/pulley area, faster/slower with engine revs - safe to drive? Seems to be getting louder, more persistent.
Optional Information: Year: 2005 Make: Volvo Model: V70 Engine: 2.5T Already Tried: nothing
Hello, My name is XXXXX XXXXX X am a Volvo dealership technician. I am going to try to help you with your question. Are any warning lights on? How is the oil level and condition? What is the mileage on the car?
Car just turned 70,000, so low miles and in very good shape overall. Engine temp is right where it should be. The 'check engine' light has been on occassioanlly, but I'm 99% sure that's because my wife consistently fails to tighten the gas cap all the way; the light goes out after a few starts as soon as I tighten the cap. Oil is relatively recent, to the full line and appears to be in good shape (still golden brown). My big concern is whether I can wait to take it to a mechanic (I'm on vacation at the New Jersey shore, about 100 miles from home). The clicking/ticking noise appeared pretty suddenly and recently, a week or two ago.
Okay, I know it can be difficult to trace, but can you tell if the noise is coming from inside the timing belt cover or outside? You are sure it's from the belt area, right?
You inspired me to listen again, carefully. The sound is basically coming from the top of the engine. As you know, it's pretty tight in there and everything is covered in plastic or metal, so it's really hard to figure out the exact source. When I first heard it, I thought maybe my oil was low and I was hearing tappets (?) or the cam shaft or lifters or something like that. Now that I listen again, don't think it is the pulley/belt. It's something under (or behind?) the engine cover -- where it says VOLVO across the top. Sorry for the confusion!
No problem, just want to make sure. Pull your oil dipstick with the engine running, do you see any air bubbles in the oil on the dipstick?
I think I see a small number of very small bubbles, in small clusters. Uh oh. Are you thinking engine seal of some kind?
Okay, it sounds like you have a leaking oil pan or oil pickup seal. When one leaks, it sucks air into the lubrication system along with the oil. This causes the lifters to make noise and can also cause the check engine light to come on because the Continuously Variable Valve Timing system runs on oil pressure. It won't cause immediate damage, but I have had a customer drive for several thousand miles and cause a lifter to be permanently damaged. The seal kit isn't much, around $60 if I remember correctly. Labor is about 2.5 to 3 hours. If you have an independent shop do the job, make sure they use the correct Volvo sealant. RTV can come apart and leak or get stuck in the oil system. The sealant is expensive, around $100 for a tube but it is enough for many cars, so at the dealership we charge for part of the tube. And independent may charge you for the whole thing. If you would like any additional information or have more questions please don't hesitate to ask.Please remember to only rate the service when you are 100% satisfied you have received all the information you need. If you feel the need to rate "Poor Service" or "Bad Service", please stop and reply to me via the REPLY TO EXPERT button with the issue you have. I will be happy to continue further and do everything I can to provide you with the service you seek.I am not credited for my time for a negative rating. Keep in mind, the correct answer may not be good news, but the rating is for the service. If I have helped you with your question, please give me an appropriate rating so that I receive credit for helping you. Even if you have a follow up question later, you can still come back to this question after you have rated the service.Thank you, Andy
Experience: One of only a handful of ACTUAL Volvo dealership technicians on JA, ASE Master Certified with L1
Thanks for the diagnosis -- sounds spot on!