new strange noise

[rcarpen22]

I searched but couldn't find an instance of this. When cold, right after I start the car I hear a kind of grinding noise. It sounds like maybe the starter doesn't disengage fast enough and grinds on the way out. Once the car is hot it won't do it on re-start. Anyone heard this noise before? Is it impending doom of some sort?
Thanks

[rcarpen22]

Oh, on a more pleasant note, I put new tires on the back of the car today. It is much quieter and rides a little better. The fronts were still in good shape but the backs were shot.

[Wayne 962]

It sounds almost like it might be an Intermediate Shaft Bearing making that noise. Does it sound like chains rattling?

-Wayne

[rcarpen22]

Yeah, I guess it could be chains. Dang it. I was hoping to at least drive the thing a little bit before i have to ship it off again. You think it's safe to crank it up one more time just to get it on the trailer? It was running like a champ yesterday and cranked right up with no noise after it was hot. So, it hasn't jumped timing or done anything too sinister yet.

[harryrcb]

Originally Posted by rcarpen22

Yeah, I guess it could be chains. Dang it. I was hoping to at least drive the thing a little bit before i have to ship it off again. You think it's safe to crank it up one more time just to get it on the trailer? It was running like a champ yesterday and cranked right up with no noise after it was hot. So, it hasn't jumped timing or done anything too sinister yet.

Do you really want to take that chance? I would ask a couple of friends over for beer and (important) "before" consuming the beer ,push the car on the trailer. JMO

[JFP in PA]

It can also be the starter Bendix drive not disengaging properly, which only requires cleaning the drive and lubrication..................this is a common and re-occurring problem on these cars.

[rcarpen22]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

It can also be the starter Bendix drive not disengaging properly, which only requires cleaning the drive and lubrication..................this is a common and re-occurring problem on these cars.

See, that's what I thought it was, because that's exactly what it sounds like, and it happens right after you crank the car, and only when cold. If that is a common problem with Boxsters, then that makes me like 95% sure that's what it is. Part of me wants to just get the IMS done for piece of mind though. Thanks for the replies.

[JFP in PA]

We get them in from time to time; pull the starter, clean the Bendix with PB Blaster or similar, lube the unit with some DuPont spray Teflon (won’t pick up water or dirt), reinstall starter. Miller time………….

[rcarpen22]

Yep, I think I'll try that. My concern was that it would do bad things to the expensive dual mass flywheel. I hope pulling the starter is in 101 Projects! :-)

[JFP in PA]

Starter replacement is a common, and pretty straight forward affair, your only difference is after servicing, you are putting the old one back........

Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Starter Replacement - 986 / 987

[Wayne 962]

Driving up on a trailer should be okay. Noises are difficult to diagnose over the Internet. If you want to upload the sound / video to YouTube, that might work.

Wayne