I have a 1998 V70R with 75,000 miles that is making a tapping noise that sounds like a lifter. The problem is that it doesn’t make the noise all of the time which makes it difficult to diagnose. I’ve tried bringing it to my local dealer but of course it doesn’t make the noise for them. Since then, I’ve noticed that the noise is becoming more obvious at start up and seems to be tapping more of the time than not. Any suggestions on what to try next?

Thanks.
Kent '98V70RAWD, '88744Ti

I have a similar noise when the car is cold (Califonia cold, not actually cold). I assumed it was an exhaust leak. It is more noticeable when I accelerate and seems to go away when thoroughly warm. I think it sounds like crap personally but the dealer says it's normal.

Mine's a 98 V70RAWD as well with 62k miles.

JC

There's a Tech-net note about low oil pressure, lifter noise and the cause is bad o-rings between the filter, sump or oil cooler (newer engines yet), found when the oil pan is removed.
Tell them to look that up and I've seen it in a few engines now (split o-rings). One is suppose to remove the pan and replace every o-ring found.
It can be diagnosed by checking oil pressure with a guage and although it might sound like bad lifters, it's never really bad lifters and replacing the o-rings solves the problem.