95 854T Valve Train Noise on Startup

Have you changed the oil / filter recently ?

Some filters lack a non-return valve which allows the filter to drain out and takes a few seconds to re-fill, before the oil pressure is restored ?

Nick

new-to-me V70 diesel ( with a cheap crap Fram oil filter I have just been told to get changed by my regular mechanic)

No, but it's due within the month.

The dealer uses only Volvo parts -- I assume it has either a Volvo filter or one that is Volvo-approved.

Rick

The earlier years of this model had trouble with lifters that failed at relatively low mileage. The lubrication passages in the head were too small, and there was probably a design problem with the lifters themselves. If you're lucky, a switch to synthetic oil - with the risks of oil leaks developing that this entails - will solve the lifter problem. If not, you may be looking at new lifters, down the road. And no, I don't know exactly what the design fix was. Maybe someone else here does.

On an engine like that you always use synthetic oil.

Niels

Very common and not something I would not worry about. I assume that your dealer is using Volvo oil filters and the correct weight and quality of oil, so that isn't likely an issue.

John