'85 Carrera startup noise - chain tensioners perhaps?

Patronus · 04-21-2003, 11:48 PM

When firing up my '85 Carrera after it had been standing for a number of days it makes a "GRRR" noise. The noise sounds like defective chain tensioners, but it lasts for about a second and after that the engine is quiet again. Subsequent starts are quiet and the engine always runs quiet and smooth at any RPM at any temperature.

I know my car's tensioners are pressure fed, and I suspect that they might lose their pressure when not in use for a few days. Is this likely to happen?

Sometimes it happens after a week, sometimes after two days, but always after the car had been standing for some time.

The problem can be something else, of course, and any suggestions/advice will be appreciated.

Siena911 · 04-22-2003, 12:43 AM

Patronus, mine does exactly the same, or rather has started doing the same. About 10000 miles ago I had a collapsed chain tensioner, and I had both replaced, I have the 3.2 carrera motor in my SC.

The first time I heard it I nearly had a heart attack. I still don't know what it is but I suspect it's not tensioners as mine are new.

I must admit that the colder it is the more likely it is to happen, on warm mornings I don't notice it at all.

As with your's mine also only happens when it's been standing for a few days.

My initial theory was that oil drains away from somewhere and takes 3 - 4 revolutions before pressure forces oil where it's needed. But I am not too worried, because I have read a few places that you can hear some weird noises when cold but should not hear any when the motor is warm.

Cheers Jakes.

p.s. I am in S.A. next week for four weeks, maybe we could hook up for a beer some time?

Patronus · 04-22-2003, 11:55 PM

I spoke to a Porsche specialist and he said it's normal. Sometimes the cam ends "high" when shutting down the engine and it puts strain on the tensioners. After a few days the oil seeps out of the tensioner because of the extra pressure, and it takes a few revolutions for the tensioner to get its presure back.

That explains why it only happens sometimes.

Yes, it will be nice to meet you when you are in South Africa (if you come to Johannesburg of course). I will mail you to set up an appointment. There's another Pelicanhead in SA and we sometimes get together. He lives in Potchefstroom. Perhaps the three of us can have a few beers and discuss the products of Stuttgart.

LeRoux Strydom · 04-23-2003, 01:26 AM

OT: (no advice on the noise)

Hey, don't forget about me! I might be persuaded to make the trip to Jhb for a beer or two.

LeRoux

Siena911 · 04-23-2003, 10:32 AM

LeRoux, no problem.

Will send you a pm once I have figured out which days I am in JHB. It would be cool to get a few Pelicanites together in SA.

Cheers Jakes

Superman · 04-23-2003, 12:14 PM

Yeah, pressure fed tensioners do make a grrrrr noise, particularly when dry. Remember that those tensioners apply pressure with a spring, and the oil pressure acts simply as a dampener. So, the grrrrr is okay.

Siena911 · 04-28-2003, 03:05 AM

OK, so it seems like I can only meet up with some of you guys for a beer on Friday 23rd May. The rest of the time in JHB (only 7days) is hectic with family commitments etc. I dont know if you guys can make that day, if so, where do you suggest, somewhere outdoors where we can ogle the rides would be nice!!!!!

Sorry for posting in the forum, but LeRoux, you don't seem to have the PM option turned on!

Cheers Jakes

PS There is also steveW from Edenvale, so I will pm him, in case he does not spot this.

LeRoux Strydom · 04-28-2003, 10:28 AM

Sienna911

Sorry, I fixed the PM feature. May 23 sounds fine, please pm details of the get-together.

LeRoux