basic questions from a new comer

[NosHero]

Hello forum,

I have a 1999 Boxster, bought used. The water pump was replaced recently at ~75000 miles. I'm unfamiliar with the Boxster engine compartment (I haven't seen it. It's under the hardtop...).

Hope these are not stupid questions. They are:

- what's in the left back of the driver, which may make ticking noises. The noise is heard when idling and seems to go with rev. I don't recall if I had this noise before changing the water pump.

- what's in the far right back of the driver, which comes on once in a while by drawing a lot of electricity.

BTW, internet writings on the water pump problem helped me a lot. I was successful replacing it before exploding! Thank you for the advices everybody.

[harryrcb]

Originally Posted by NosHero

Hello forum,

I have a 1999 Boxster, bought used. The water pump was replaced recently at ~75000 miles. I'm unfamiliar with the Boxster engine compartment (I haven't seen it. It's under the hardtop...).

- what's in the left back of the driver, which may make ticking noises. The noise is heard when idling and seems to go with rev. I don't recall if I had this noise before changing the water pump.

- what's in the far right back of the driver, which comes on once in a while by drawing a lot of electricity.

Welcome to the forum. Ticking noise on left side could be lots of things, exhaust leak, loose spark plug, rod knock, even the power steering pump running low on fluid which BTW is under the engine lid. you should familiarize yourself with accessing the engine and checking the power steering fluid.
As for the far right you have 2 things an engine compartment cooling fan and a secondary air pump. they come on randomly as needed. nothing to worry about there.
Maybe you can make a sound track of the ticking noise and post it

[NosHero]

Hi harrycrb, thanks for the comments and advice. I'll look into the engine when I get another hand to lift the hardtop, and record the ticking noise. At the moment, my 914 is a bigger trouble maker which all my efforts are paid to... Anyways, I'll come back. See you soon.

[randy_k]

Nos, Here are a few pic's of the engine compartment. First ones are taken looking through the access panel that is behind the seats.





Next is taken from above the engine compartment.





The cap on the top right of the last picture is the power steering pump.

Randy

[NosHero]

Dude, nice pictures. Thanks Randy. Although, I noticed the ticking noise coming from more like very side of the engine compartment, close to the hardtop pillar. I need further investigation on this.

I also noticed today when I started the engine - white smoke was spitted for a moment. The car passed smog (I'm in California) a few weeks ago, so I doubt emission problems. Is Smoke when starting common???

Sorry, I didn't mean to keep bringing up new questions, but concerns never stop...

[randy_k]

See my user name. LOL Yes puff of smoke is common on start up. Nothing to be concerned about unless it's like a Van Halen concert.
Checking the engine compartment out was the second thing I did after going to the bank. But I don't have a hard top to remove.
The more questions you ask. The better off you are. Have fun!

Randy

[recycled sixtie]

Noshero there are no such things as stupid questions, only questions.
I will tell u the newbie mistakes I have made since my first year of ownership in May of 2011. Make sure carpet does not get stuck behind clutch pedal or else you may not hear the click from the clutch depression in order to start the car. #2 Don't overfill engine oil. I am sure there are more mistakes I have made in my first P car but I cant think of them right now. However enjoy your car! Yes one more, if you have a kleenex box next to the back window, make sure you remove it prior to putting the top down. Or else u could end up with a dimpled plastic window.

[NosHero]

I really appreciated all your warm welcoming comments, guys.

The smoke puff was normal - oh, that's a relief. I feel I was stupid not asking questions here until now! I'm not really good at working on cars, so takes me time to figure out what is making noise, what can be wrong, etc.

But let me tell you this - I surely enjoy driving Boxster. When I was going on the interstate 5 in the central valley (at the limit plus xx mph), the car sounded like a jet airplane! That was fun even only going on the long stretch.

I noticed the driver's carpet keeps crawling forward... but a shame on me, mine's Tiptronic!

Cheers,

[NosHero]

Mmm, I've been monitoring the noise, but seems it comes and goes. I didn't hear during this weekend... Maybe I was too worries at first? My 914 is more of my concern these days. Carbs sound funny. Always concerned...

[very~worn~944]

Is the ticking noise intermittent and is not really dependent on engine temperature? It could be a couple things, but my bet is its normal.
The fuel tank purge valve is right behind the driver under the bank 2 intake manifold. It is a pulsewidth modulated solenoid, meaning it gets a rapid pulsed power signal. How long each pulse is controls the airflow through the valve that has only a "off" and "on" position. It can definitely be heard from the drivers seat by cautious ears. It sounds almost like a light plastic ticking rhythm. A deeper more metallic and more symmetrical rhythmic " clack clack clack" from that same area would be more worrisome, as that might indicate a failing lifter or worse. This will usually be variable based on temperature.