Now that it has become allot colder if i start my volvo in the morning and drive away with no warm up time, i feel like i can hear faint knocking or tapping. Once it warms up the noise goes away about 90%. My car was doing this last winter too so i assumed that if it was rod knock my car would have already been dead by now.

Any suggestions?

heavier weight oil?

valve adjustments?

I know these engines are super bullet proof so I am hoping i am just obsessing over nothing.

 

It could be piston slap or in the valve train - I would recommend a synthetic 5w-30 oil.

 

Unless you live in the extreme northern tier of states, I can't really recommend a 5W oil. Older, worn engines typically need a thicker oil rather than thinner. Here in Texas, it's possible to run 30W oil all year. Volvo called for 10W-30 or 10W-40 when new or 20W-50 in warmer climates.