1994 940 non turbo. 251,000 miles. A good running car. I am sure like many of you I am punctilious about my oil level, keeping it near the top of the stick. Recently after a long trip, however, with the car sitting a couple of days, I started it up cold and was treated to this ugly TICK, TICK, TICK sound. Not a piston slap, but more like a low oil sound. I immediately shut it off and checked the stick.

It read as no more than 1/3 of a quart from full. I added the 1/3, started it up, and there was no more noise.

I understand that if you are down a quart or more, you can expect ugly sounds. But has anybody experienced this when only down less than 1/3 of a quart? Is this maybe a factor of age or mileage?

Thanks.