Author Topic: hydraulic valvelifters (Read 4689 times)

MRDART · « **on:** March 25, 2009, 11:11:23 am »

Hi everyone I have a problem with my vw/volvo 2,4 TD (6 cylinder) engine when the oillevel sinks below halfway between min and max level the valvelifters starts making a lot of noise as if there was no oil pressure but there is no warning ligh coming on. If you raise the RPM it stops or if I refill the oil. I use good quality oil and change it frequently.
Does anyone know if the valvelifters are to blame or if the oil pressure just is to low (bad oil pump??) ??
Thank you in advance for answering
Best Regards / Tommy

zukgod1 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 25, 2009, 01:33:49 pm »

Sounds like you have an oil consumption issue.

Either your bearings are a tad worn or your pump is going out.

Either way sounds like it's best to keep it full unless your ready for a rebuild.

the caveman · « **Reply #2 on:** March 25, 2009, 01:35:45 pm »

Although certainly not an expert on those engines, i have done major work to 2 of them and they both had mechanical lifters. Either way, better keep the oil level up until it's properly fixed.

the caveman · « **Reply #3 on:** March 25, 2009, 02:27:14 pm »

Yes they have oil delivery issues at the head. Not a engine for short trips. They were designed for VW LT trucks and have had problems when the oil was not changed, not warm enough etc, etc.

MRDART · « **Reply #4 on:** March 26, 2009, 09:44:28 am »

Hi guys thanks for the quick reply.
Luckily I have one engine that is already due for an overhaul so I will fix that one up first. Does anyone know if it is the same oilpump as on the old 1,6 l TD engine??
I know the pistons and the rings are the same.
Best regards / Tommy

the caveman · « **Reply #5 on:** March 26, 2009, 10:00:49 am »

I'm pretty sure the oil pump is not the same as it is driven off at the front of the block. Don't remember if it shaft or chain driven , but i do know that if it's in a volvo, it's a million times easier to do while the motor is out of the vehicle.

jtanguay · « **Reply #6 on:** March 26, 2009, 03:19:04 pm »

this stuff might help quiet the lifters, and help them last longer too with your current oiling issues.

alternatively this stuff protects the whole engine.

both are liqui moly products. not sure of how different they are from eachother.

smutts · « **Reply #7 on:** March 28, 2009, 03:43:44 pm »

Not an expert on the Volvo engines, but if they use the hydraulic tappets, then it might be the oil pump is picking up some air, this doesn't drop the pressure enough to set off the buzzers and lights, but will make the tappets noisy until the air purges out. Sure somebody hasn't put the wrong dipstick in the engine at some time? :roll:

Smokey Eddy · « **Reply #8 on:** March 29, 2009, 02:49:47 am »

Ooooooooo lifters with no oil means cam with no oil.
Dangerous waters.
Poor things. Have fun with your build! it's heaps of fun.

ps. Yes, build. When ever you have a TD out of the car any engine work turns into performance work

MRDART · « **Reply #9 on:** March 29, 2009, 12:38:17 pm »

Pretty sure it is the right dip stick it coinsides to the total amount of oil that I put in anyway.
I replaced the oil and filter today again but switched oil brand, it seems like it is building pressure faster when cold starting now, but I will make a rbuild or take an exchanged/overhauled engine when my tax refund comes... until then I will keep the level topped up....
And again thank you all for charing your wisdom regards/ Tommy