This erratic ticking sound comes and goes and usually comes on while idling in a parking lot. The ticking would last for about 2-4 minutes and might not happen again for a while (for weeks or months).

First time I noticed the ticking was over a year ago and was also heard by a Volvo technician who thinks the a lifter was sticking in the lifter bore. They added BG MOA and it seemed to have quieted the lifters at the time.

Video link: http://vimeo.com/102091706

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Brian M. - 1998 S70GLT, 1998 S70 GTA

Yes, it is a lifter making the noise. The lifter is not 'sticking', it just doesn't have enough oil to stay quiet. But, not to worry yet. So long as it goes away as the engine warms up.

Use of synthetic 10W30 should help.

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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

Thanks, Klaus! I noticed that the lifter noise happens after I've driven for a while and stopped in a parking lot (or at a stop light), so the engine is fully warmed up.
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Brian M. - 1998 S70GLT, 1998 S70 GTA

A warm engine should not have lifter noise. While not harmful, you should have your mechanic check the oil pressure. It is possible that the O rings at the oil pickup in the oil pan are getting bent out of shape. Labor is a bummer, but not a totally difficult task and the parts are cheap.

Look around the web for other causes, like a clogged pickup screen and or a dirty oil filter. You are using a Mann filter...

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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

Your lifters are quite audible.
I recently removed my pan and replaced my seals. It did mostly quieten down the lifters. It's very good for the engine and you can remove clogging bits from the channels in the block as well.

Is replacing the seals a lot of work?
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Brian M. - 1998 S70GLT, 1998 S70 GTA

The hard part is removing and replacing the oil pan. The power steering lines get in the way. And the liquid gasket must be on an oil free surface, which is a trick when the block still drips...

Google oil pan for Volvo V70 and you should find a few write ups.
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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

Hi Klaus, et al,

I haven't replaced the seals since my last post because I wanted to observe it some more. The ticking would come a little bit more frequently now during idle and last for about 5 minutes.

The oil level was at the max line on the dipstick but I decided to add about half a quart more. Interestingly the ticking so far hasn't come back. What gives?
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Brian M. - 1998 S70GLT, 1998 S70 GTA

Please be careful, adding too much oil can keep the crankshaft from splashing oil to parts that are designed to be cooled and lubed from the splashing.

Why the ticking stopped is beyond me. What should be done is to check the oil pressure while the engine is cold. Cold oil causes higher pressure as it is thick and less likely to flow through the passages.

What weight oil are you using? I hope it is 10W30 or 5W30 synthetic.
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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

5W30 Valvoline Synthetic
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Brian M. - 1998 S70GLT, 1998 S70 GTA

Thanks again, Klaus. No, I have the regular filter (everything is stock).
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Brian M. - 1998 S70GLT, 1998 S70 GTA