V70 Tdi ticking / other ? problems ?

Just got a clean condition March 1997 V70 2.5 Tdi with approx 150,000 miles
on the clock and full service history. It runs well and gives good economy
but I have a few problem / queries which people here might be able to help
me with...

1) There is a ticking when just started from cold which sounds like a "
valve out of adjustment" but I believe these are self-adjusting, so can it
still be this ? It does seem to lessen after about 5 to 10 mins when the
engine gets fully heated through.

2) There is a small but definite "impression of misfiring" at low revs /
tickover - not being familiar with the sound of these engines, it may
actually be normal - just doesn't sound quite as smooth as it might be. Is
this the sort of mileage a head job / regrind valves becomes desirable or is
this a big/difficult job that should be left until essential ?

3) At what point should injectors be reconditioned / replaced - are these
easy to get at to change?

4) After starting and running fine the first day, leaving it for 24 hrs, it
was difficult to start - engine spun over well, and quickly fired, but
didn't catch - this happened a few times before it did catch and ran OK.
Fuel tank was full.

The engine certainly feels very lively and even at wide open throttle, e.g.
going up a long hill, there doesn't seem to be any appreciable haze out of
the back

Thanks,
Nick

 

I don't have any experence with diesels, but that sounds exactly like an old
Chevy V/8 would when the lifters are getting a bit worn out...

 

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the reply - I hope I haven't got a Chevy then (but I guess its
not too bad a job), and
it probably won't worsen too quickly.

 

Definatrly sounds like a sticky lifter (I am fairly sure this engine uses
hydraulic lifters?) in which case a couple of fresh oil changes, or (with
care) a light dose of oil treatment / cud remover followed by a change might
help.

At this mileage your low speed miss / irregularity is almost definately from
worn injectors, or more specifically - one with a poor spray pattern. Get
them overhauled first before start lifting the head!

Not sure, possible immobiliser problem- initially failing to read the key,
but doing so on 2nd attempt?

Unusual- these TDi's normally like to smoke somewhat under full power.
(perhaps its been chipped- which does clean up the smoke in the majority of
cases)

Tim..

 

Hi Tim,

Thanks for the reply - will do a couple of oil / filter changes and try
flush as well.

Living with it a bit more suggests one possibility could be some or all of
the
glowplugs may not be lighting up properly when cold, as it starts readily as
long as the glow plug light does not come on, even if standing for an hour
or two. I had this problem on my last car and glowplugs / injector overhaul
made a terrific difference.

I will likely be appearing here frequently as I try to iron out the
niggles - Air Con, vibes in pedals, and steering pump noise to yet be posted
!

Thanks,

Nick

 

Injectors should be reworked at 60,000 miles and replaced (with exchange)
after 120,000 miles. Glowplugs take around 9 Amperes each. Easy check is
with 6-21 Watt test lamp, positive battery terminal to one end and other end
on each glow plug in turn with each connection undone for test. If lamp
lights brightly glowplug is ok, if lamp does not light glowplug is duff and
should be replaced. Glowplug relay can burn up it's contacts inside if
taking a lot of use. There is a flat strip fuse underneath relay which can
get blown if being careless with spanner. It's rating should be 60Amps.

All the best, Peter.

700/900/90 Register Keeper,
Volvo Owners Club (UK).

 

Before doing anything else get the disel pump adjusted! The symptoms you
mention can all come from a diselpump out of adjustment.

When you hear the engine ticking press and hold down the break pedal for a
while.
If the ticking dissappear, it is a worn vacuum pump, which is normal with
that mileage.

Regards Per