Lately, when I start the Vantage I get a strange noise from the car that is clearly not from the engine. It's a whine of sorts but not high pitched. Other have described something that sounds similar in other threads as being a horn like sound. It will do this until the car comes up to FULL operating temp. (about 1/2way on the temp gauge.) then it almost goes away all together.

The sound is somewhat similar to the way a power steering issue might sound as it's going out or low on fluid. (Make sense).

Anyway- I also noticed that it's progressively getting more obvious as the weeks / months go on. It didn't do this 6 months ago. Also usually if I push in the clutch as the noise is going on I can get it to stop but then as I let it back out is will come back on. - Again this is only till the car comes up to full temp.

My question is: does this sound like a clutch going out or the oil pump or what? Any suggestions as what to expect or have checked?

 

It's the oil pump. It makes more noise as the oil level gets lower. Top off the oil following the recommended procedure and the noise will be reduced—although you still hear it briefly when starting a cold engine.

 

Oh lord, that would be so wonderful if that is all it is! Makes sense to me... My last oil change was about 7,000 miles. I figured I was due or just over a bit so low oil in the pump makes sense.

Another question Karlfranz- How many miles do you go on an oil change before a fresh change? I've heard 3,000 6,000 and a few say 10,000

 

I drive approximately 10K miles a year, so my oil change coincides with both those metrics. I do check the level and top off as needed during the year, though.

 

Karl-

So you have experienced the need to top off within the 10k mile change based on the issue I described. Thats a relief to me! I'm going to stop by BMW and pick up a few quarts of the M3 stuff and do the top off. I'll report back tomorrow.

THANK YOU so much for the help. I'm already stressed about car stuff as I totaled my Elise 2 weeks ago in a really minor / lame accident. Damaged in the just the wrong place. (facepalm)

 

It' the PRV causing the noise, it's a oil pressure relief valve. Verify oil level light others have stated, for this can provoke the noise. The early V8's had a very loud issue and Aston revised the plunger valve in the oil pump. This will not cause any issue beyond the noise concern you presently have right now. For clients that wanted the noise resolved, the METAL plunger was replaced for the PLASTIC plunger(revised version). For a DIY type of owner, not recommended unless you've turned wrench's in your past and are very confident..to replace a PRV the timing cover needs to be removed which results in the front lower subframe coming off for access..

The VIN range for the Metal valve is: V8 Vantage/Roadster VIN C00001 up to D08310 ..the Plastic PRV phased into the 2008 model year, 2009 model with 4.7L came with the plastic valve version..I have seen some 4.3L with the Plastic PRV from factory, but these were end of build cars

 

"front lower subframe coming off for access"

Really? For a oil pump plunger valve? A Subframe pull?

 

Karlfranz saved my Aston's Life!

So after taking Karl's advice I checked the oil level as recommended, It was in deed low. 4 1/2 quarts to be exact! I was shocked to see that it needed that much oil and even with 3 quarts in the car was still very vocal on start up. Wasn't till I got the reading to be exactly halfway on the dip stick between full and low was I able to get it to stop! WOW!

So grateful to have good people on here who know their stuff and will share it!

 

4 1/2 QTS is quite a large, if the last service was done on time, missing this amount either leads to it being excessive burn or external leak..

Inspect your PCV, remove the plastic vent pipe from the intake manifold to the PCV, if there is a large amount wet oil built up inside, replace the PCV..there not costly and will save from burning to much oil.

If PCV is found to be ok, check for a external engine oil leak. The air/oil separator is a known issue to leak and is very simple to repair, there is a o-ring on the separator that is to small which results in the separator leaking..fix is to replace the o-ring with a new revised thicker seal...

 

Plunger is in the oil pump..oil pumps are usually behind the timing cover, which is this case it is....engine is hugged over the lower subframe to help lower the center of gravity..hense why the dry sump was used..so to remove the timing cover you have to remove the lower section of the front subframe..pretty simple procedure to remove the subframe

 

Irish, The O ring makes sense. I had that changed out in Vegas a few months back. I am due for another service just now so perhaps between the 0-ring and running up to the next service it accounts for the 4 quarts. I have looked and looked for any signs of external leaks and have not seen any. 4 months or so ago in Vegas Aston dealer did a full 20, 30, 60 whatever point inspection and only turned up with the 0-ring. Other wise they said my Vantage was looking great. I'm going to keep an eye on it from now on now that I know what to do and look for.

My question for all is: between services, how many quarts of oil do you typically use to maintain the oil level and keep the dry sump pump happy?

 

Glad to be of service.

For the record, I usually have to add about 1 liter total throughout the year before it's time to do a full oil change.

 

The V8's are not bad once broken in.. I'm at home now so don't have all my notes, but if memory serves me the limit is 1 liter for 3-4000km, this is considered to be normal oil consumption...and I think for V12's that number drops to 1 liter for 2000km

Now this doesn't mean every V8 will inhale this much oil...it just means until this limit, dealer will not look at the concern to be alarming and needing of repair

 

It always amazes me when people don't check their oil at least every other fill-up...you are risking so much by missing a change in the amount of oil that your car is consuming...or possibly leaking...

My DB9 does not burn oil... 12.5K on remanufactured motor...which was installed after the previous owner ran the car 2 quarts low...the V12s are sensitive to oil level if driven hard.

I will tell you that it would be a very good idea to replace your oil filler cap o-ring on older cars as mine just fell apart on my '06...

 

how in the heck did you get 4 quarts low????? that's really amazing, expecially since the AMV8 seems to only burn a quart every 4-5k miles. did you ever just check the oil level cold? by the way, it seems there is not much diference from the cold oil level measure, WITHOUT running the engine to 2000rpm for 20 seconds method. why not just coordinate the level when cold vs when using the manual technique to avoid the "cold start, 20second 2000rpm, then shut down" technique?
so, when are most of you changing the oil if you are not using the car at the track at all?
im thinking 5k miles because im driving at a use rate of about, 6k miles per year. SO, what are you guys doing?