[lucasdw63]

Hey guys, I have reached a point where I think it is time to take her to a professional. From a porsche novice with empty pockets, I think I have done all I can do to figure out my engine tapping/knocking problem.

It all started when I located and sealed a massive vacuum lead around my pop-off valve. This was related to a high idle problem, that immediately went away after sealing the pop-off valve. I was now able to get the idle to 950 rpm.

Since then, a new problem reared it ugly head- I now have this awful tapping that is most pronounced at #4 intake runner detected using the old long screwdriver between the runner and my ear method.

Here are a few more symptoms I have noted:

**When I first bought the car and changed the oil I noticed small metal particles attached to the magnetic drain plug. I have noticed none since.

**Upon initial start, the engine oscillates about 500 rpms for about 30 seconds, then settles in at 950 rpms.

**On warm days 75degrees or so, the rpms will sometimes increase to 1800 until the engine is shut down and restarted.

**Under load, I can hear what sounds like a rattle coming from the engine compartment.

**I drained the oil through a white t-shirt and did notice a few silver flecks of what appear to be metal (non-ferrous). There were only a few and there was no metal detected on the magnetic drain plug. Shining a bright light into the oil it appears as pearlescent.

**The oil temp seems good and pressure is strong between 4 and 5 bars at 3k rpms.

**I checked and adjusted all valves which did not effect the tap/knock problem. I also disconnected the plug on #4 which also did not effect the problem.

**There are no oil leaks or other outward symptoms that I have noticed.

Aside from these things, the car runs reasonably well.

Is there anything else I can do before I place myself at the mercy of the mechanic?