I have an 85 308 GTS QV Euro and have done a search on this site for help but haven't found something identical to my issue/question. Bill D created a thread back in 2005 that described a similar problem - apparent valve noise (clattering in my case) after the engine gets hot - sounds fine before heating up. Valve adjustment and oil viscosity recommendations were made. I am using 20W50 oil which I think should not thin out too much when heated up, but could be wrong. The other question I have is that when I changed the oil for the first time myself back a few weeks ago, I saw that the manual called for over 10 quarts of oil. The dealer had previously put in 8 according to a receipt I had. When I put 8 quarts in it, she read full. I didn't change the filter when I did the oil as the filter had very low usage on it at that point. I guess my question is, could I be low on oil (8 quarts vs 10) that could be causing the clattering? Should I put in what is called for even though the dipstick reads just about at max? I am assuming the 20W50 is the correct weight oil. Any othe thoughts would be appreciated.
Rizzo308, Never heard that before. . . . I always check cold just before starting up. I will do that! Thanks
Your being too anal about the oil. If your dip stick reads full, the motor is fully filled. The add line is about two quarts down IIRC, but thats for cornering. You could probably be four quarts down and not see any realistic trouble. If your reading proper oil pressure that is the real key. It really sounds like an excessive valve clearance issue, but if you checked them then maybe they were simply at the high clearance limit? Plus the fact you have 16 valves, it could possibly get rather clicky if they were out in the .25 and .30 mm range instead of the tighter end of the spec. More oil above the dip stick line is not going to alleviate your trouble. OTOH, get a stethoscope and listen around on the motor. The transfer gears can make noise, as can failing cam drive gear bearings. If its only the valves lightly ticking I wouldnt worry. Just check them accurately next time.
On my car cold doesn't even register on the stick. The 15 minute rule is correct. Don't take me wrong but read the owners manual.
