Lifter noise? I don't think so

[quinby1]

Have an 05 Boxster 2.7 for about three years now. Bought it cpo with 27000 miles. Runs great no complaints..do all my own maintenance, change oil every 3000 (or once a year as I only have put 6000 on it.) Changed brake fluid, plugs, all filters, belt etc. at 30,000. One nagging question...when car is warm, there is a ticking sound which sounds like a lifter which starts at about 2200 rmp. You can only hear it when the top is up and windows closed, it's that soft, but definitely there. Seems to stop around 3500 rmp but that could be because at that speed the frequency is so fast it kind of disappears. I have tried different weight oils 0w40, 10w30 currently using Syntex 5w40, with no apparent difference. Doesn't tap at idle or when reved up in neutral. Since I drive mostly in nice weather with top down, you can't hear it, but when on occasion when I take her out with top up, it annoys me. I should mention when car is cold and you run it up through the gears you can't hear it, only starts when she gets warm. Any ideas?

[randy_k]

Exhaust leak maybe? As the headers get hot. Just a thought. They can sound very similar.
Randy

[Wayne 962]

It could indeed be a stuck lifter, but I've found that most stuck lifters seem to make noise mostly when cold and at idle?

-Wayne

[quinby1]

That's what so strange Wayne..it only does it when car is warm, no noise when cold. That's why I don't think it's a lifter. Also when you hold steady throttle, say at 2800 rpm you hear it, but if you take your foot off gas it stops, or if you accelerate it stops. Only at steady speed and throttle does it sound like lifter noise..strange isn't it?

[Zeke]

Help me. I fell into a lifter abyss. I once referred to "lifters" in a thread here. Then I realized air cooled flat six engines have rockers (which actually depress the valve stem, not lift a push rod like a non OHC engine).

So, what does the Boxster motor have?

Most here say a rattle is the chains. Where can a tick originate?

Oh, I guess that's the question.

[quinby1]

Lifter, smifter, wifter.....It just sounds like a valve related tick...very subtle, not loud or harsh...oh well, another thing about these cars I'll have to learn to live with

[fm1082]

I'll second Randy's comment. If it gets worse you should probably look to exhaust leak, a valve train noise should not change with throttle position/engine load. If it stays that subtle, could be nothing but normal mechanical noise.

[thstone]

For reference, the Boxster engine uses hydraulic lifters between the overhead camshaft and the valve. Not likely that a lifter would be quiet at cold and noisy at warm temps.

So my first guess is that the ticking is something other than a lifter, like the water pump or another engine accessory like the alternator bearing, power steering pump, a/c bearing, etc.

I'd remove the front engine cover (inside the car) and spend some time with an automotive stethoscope to better isolate the location of the tick.

[Dale_K]

I've heard of loose spark plugs making a ticking sound.

[850dunstall]

Porsche has a tsb for the oil pump, there is a spring and steel ball which are known to rattle about under certain conditions with the engine running. i found mine rattled in the 2200 to 2600 range under light acceleration only when the engine was warming up, replaced under warranty,

do you still have warranty then get it in and have them check it

[quinby1]

Car was cpo, but now expired. Problem is I cannot duplicate sound while car is static. You can stop in the garage when you come back and it's warm and rev it to 2500, but nothing? only when driving do I hear ticking. And like I said, it changes with throttle position...??

[quinby1]

By the way, I'm aware of the oil pump relief spring retrofit, but I don't think thats it 'cause that is usually described as a rattle, this is a rythemic ticking, just like a valve tick.

[850dunstall]

okay so it changes with throttle position and is not detectible when the vehicle is stationary...

this suggest that you may want to consider some additional help detecting, because of the cuff i'd say its related so component that rotates as the vehicle is moving...

wheels, axles, rotors etc...

[kzsport]

Did you find out the result of ticking you had on 987 yet??
I'd had valve tappet ticking after rebuild engine.but 4-6 cycle had the ticking only.
I'd try to use oil for 5w40,15w/40,0w/40.....still had it.
In my case the ticking comes out with cold start until working temp to hard drove and fellow the ticking frequency speeds up along with REV up.
The ticking was had after 5 days of rebuild engine due to burn crank bearing.
08 CAYMAN S with 37K KM.
Any opinions??

KZ

[quinby1]

Nope, I'm living with it....not that big a deal...I'm just fussy I guess...if you let every little noise, rattle, click and bump that these flat six's make, you'd go nuts..

[Thorshammer]

Ahh,


I would have someone check this out very quickly. Living with noises in ones engine does not make for a better day in the future.

Exhaust leak. if you open the door, set the brake and very slightly accelerate, does the noise get louder? If so, then an exhaust leak is a prime culprit.

Lifter noises can be diagnosed using a stethescope, and a screwdriver. One will give you air pressure changes (sound) follow that up by placing a long 18 inch screw driver with the handle pressed against your ear. Check the valve cover starting at the front top and then to the lower back to front. You will hear the noise get louder as you get near, and quieter as you go away.

Also, check the spark plugs while you are there, and check the tightness of the exhaust system fasteners.

If none of this finds the problem. I would suspect the dreaded IMS failure or near failure, a cam chain tensioner failure.

If you are in Massachusetts, I would be happy to check it out for you at my shop.


Best Luck,


Erik

[thross]

I have the same noise in my '05 2.7 Boxster with 18K miles. My local dealer shop foreman listened to it and immediately remembered a Technical Bulletin from Porsche (dated 03/06 Number 1349) about bad crankshaft bearing housings causing this noise. The regional service manager was consulted and he said it is not dangerous and nothing has to be done, but I'm not comfortable with "living with it" I plan to persue a repair/rebuild.

[quinby1]

I have since found the same TS bulletin...says noise is crankcase bearing journal made of cast iron instead of steel...cure was to replace early manufacture (prior to March 29, 05) engine journal with steel parts. Well, for me that ship has sailed....car is out of warrantee and my understanding is that other than the slight tapping at certain RPM's there is no adverse effects from this condition. Further to replace journal bearings requires engine disassembly, so that ain't gonna happen on my dime.