Timing chain rattle

[Bellehayes]

Hi All
My 2000 model Boxster S manual with 205,000km has a timing chain rattle on start-up.
The effect was minimized when I was recommended to use Ravenol 10W50 HVE which virtually eliminated the problem.
At the last service, the garage filled up with Motul 10W40, and the problem came back.
However, if I let the oil level drop by 400ml, the rattle virtually disappears!
Any suggestions why this is happening and is it a common problem?
I live in Cape Town RSA so no cold weather issues here.

[jlong]

Timing chain rattle can be a function of weak chain tensioners (wearing out or not getting the proper oil pressure) or a worn-out chain (one that cannot be tensioned enough). I don't think oil type or oil level is going to solve this one for you long-term. The timing chain and tensioners system needs to be examined.

Do you have any other drivability issues? Are there any fault codes?

[jluetjen]

Are you sure that it's not just the valve lifters prior to them filling up with oil?

[Jeff Alton]

Correct, likely lifters.

have you had the camshaft deviation values read out with a scan tool?

Cheers

[Turd]

Originally Posted by Jeff Alton

Correct, likely lifters.

have you had the camshaft deviation values read out with a scan tool?

Cheers

My 2001 boxster s has made that rattle since I bought it in 2011 with 64,000 km. on it. 10 years later at 105,000 km I have quit worrying about it. Foolishly maybe but heck I still have the original IMS bearing too! The car runs like a top!

[ASD]

im in the og ims club too, but my 00 986S only has 76000 miles.

[Litesonic]

97 986 here...
Previous owner was scared and replaced the IMS. But hey, I got a new clutch out of his fear... so all is well.

Mine definitely makes more noise when I wake her from hibernation than when we are on an ice cream run in the summer.

YMMV.

61K miles.