XC90 D5 2007 Valve lifter replacement

[PatrickN]

My XC90 (140,000 miles) has developed a loud "tapping" noise that follows the revs.
Took it to my local Swedish specialist ( who has been good with my last 5 Swedes). We took the engine cover off and had a listen. Tap is coming from the rear right hand side of the top of the engine.
We are fairly sure it is a lifter problem. The car runs fine and smooth, just an embarrassin loud tick.
We have tried Valve lifter cleaner for 2 days and then flushed and replaced the oil and filter.
He is suggesting replacing all 16 lifters...
While it is being done he wants to do belt and water pump at the same time.
The rough guestimate is between £1200-£1500 for the job.

Any other suggestions or odeas before I commit to this path?

[Tannaton]

I've seen one or two 185 D5's with tappet/lifter issues, so is a likely culprit, and to some extent they are like light bulbs as they are all from the same batch you do wonder if any others are close to failing? You would kick yourself if you have to repeat that expense again shortly after.

With regard to the belts - yes this is a good idea as they have to come off anyway if it is more than halfway through its life (i.e. 50k miles since last done). If it was done around 100k, then it's not there yet.

They should not change the water pump unless there is any indication it is wearing (rough running, play). If they do make sure it is with a genuine Volvo part.

[reggit]

My V70 with the earlier 163 E3 engine had a loud ticking suggesting a stuck tappet. It was suggested I used Wynn’s hydraulic lifter cleaner with fresh oil - it wasn’t ready for a change, but for the sake of £50 worth a go. Over the next 1500 ish miles, it slowly got worse, then the tapping completely cleared. My best guess is that an oil hole had gummed up and gradually the gap increased as the built up gum cleared away (hence getting worse) until it completely cleared and allowed oil back into the tappet allowing it no function normally.