Volvo Repair: volvo 240 B230F engine noise, noise question, volvo 240

Question
QUESTION: Hi Robert,
my 1989 240 has a noticeable 'knocking' sound at idle when cold. The sound
diminishes when warm and can't really be heard. Is this piston slap? Some say
it's common in these motors. Is this a major problem for me?

ANSWER: Can't say for sure without hearing.How many miles on car, when did you first notice? You may be able to drive it for awhile.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It has about 150 000 miles. It has done this for quite a while, maybe 50 000
miles. Hasn't got any worse. Car has always been serviced, oil changes etc.

Answer
Eventually you may lose compression altogether in the offending cylinder...May just be a valve spring or guide. If it gets louder or doesn't dissipate as it warms up, will be an indication of it worsening.Not really worth going into fix as it is expensive and opening a can of worms. A used engine will probably be more economical, unless you can do the work yourself.You'd be looking at a complete rebuild to do it right.