'87 911 Carrera tick noise need advice

[GBODY_]

Hello All,

I just picked up this one owner 911 Carrera with 133k miles 2 weeks ago, started hearing what i now realize is a common quarrel in the aircooled community. A ticking noise, i have done enough reading from other members in here over years worth of forum posts. I have an appointment scheduled in June to have the car diagnosed, but really just wanted to see if any veteran pelicans in here could give some opinions on what they think it may be, or what it sounds like to them. I know this is a post that frequently pops up, and i apologize - i am having a professional look at it, and im not trying to have anyone in here diagnose the car. Just would like some thoughts and feedback. I am new to porsche.

-Bryan

THE DETAILS:
•The noise only really makes itself apparent once the vehicle is to operating temp.

•the noise appears to only be on the US Drivers (exhaust) side, not the passenger side.

•the noise appeara to be further back than the driver side valve cover. I, however could very well be mistaken in that regard.

•no smoking present

•no leaks present

•oil level is true and healthy, freshly changed

VIDEO OF NOISE:
https://youtube.com/shorts/QwJfGKIRVLE?feature=share

[proporsche]

the valve adjustment will take care of this noise

Ivan

[GBODY_]

Originally Posted by proporsche

the valve adjustment will take care of this noise

Ivan

That's the second best case scenerio for me. 1st best case scenerio being an exhaust leak, but i feel as though i'd have better odds getting struck by lightning. Haha thanks for the swift reply Ivan.

[Otter74]

Hard to say much without audio, but my first thought was also the valves. Ticking valves are not the worst thing as long as it's not crazy, as a little loose is better than a little tight.

[GBODY_]

There should be audio in that video i posted in the original post!

[pampadori]

I just noticed the video link.

Originally Posted by GBODY_

•no leaks present

That engine has some serious leaks going on. please look closer, the whole underside of the engine is covered in oily leaks.

Not going to bother guessing because I'm not experienced enough but i will throw these out there:
1. Valve adj too loose
2. rocker arm to rocker shaft clearance too large.
3. Broken head studs allowing cyl to lift from seal at crankcase once warm
4. exhaust leak

[GBODY_]

Yes, so when i say no leaks, i mean actively on the concrete. I pulled the carfax and saw some oil lines were replaced and as well as some other servicing things. All being done at the same dealership since 1999. I called the dealership and had them pull records. And records indicate that this car has NEVER had its valves/rockers adjusted. Im going to thoroughly clean all the oily mud residue from the belly of the motor so that i may identify the source if there is still an active bleed somewhere.

[GBODY_]

Anyone else? Anxiety getting the best of me here people haha. I paid only $30,000 for it. But im praying its not a $30,000 paperweight needing $20+ more thousand to enjoy it!

[tsuter]

Valves.....Better to hear em than smell em.....
For $30k you got yourself a nice fixer upper....another $15k-$25k should make it nice...

[FA-18C]

I have heard a LOT worse than that. Agree with above that this is likely a slight valve tick.

[Otter74]

Originally Posted by GBODY_

There should be audio in that video i posted in the original post!

You're right - I hadn't noticed. I'm probably not any more experienced than @pampadori is, but valves are a reasonable guess. And if they've never been checked since 1999, it's a no-brainer to check them and adjust as needed.

[911obgyn]

Might as well dive in and adjust the valves, new gaskets come with nuts and washers. Should stop some of the weeping. It will be fun!

[GBODY_]

Originally Posted by 911obgyn

Might as well dive in and adjust the valves, new gaskets come with nuts and washers. Should stop some of the weeping. It will be fun!

Yes sir! Im not proficiant enough with mechanical things especially with this new platform im super ignorant about. I read some horror stories in here of guys following write ups and messing up feeler gauge related portion of task. And made things worse. I do know that ill need to learn myself so i can do future adjustments.

[stevie 77 930]

Good to see you found a shop.

Spring for a full service....oil change and filter, valve adjustment with new gaskets, plugs, ignition parts, air and fuel filters and compression check and overall inspection.
Might as well change the gearbox fluid as well....

This will give a good baseline of the overall health of the motor and gearbox

Additionally getting the car up on a rack can reveal other needed service items such as CV boots A/C hoses. Get in there and look for yourself while its up.

It wont be cheep, but at least you can avoid the DYI horror stories you mentioned.
Consider it part of the cost of the new purchase.


Best of luck and be sure to update us once you have it serviced

[GBODY_]

[QUOTE=stevie 77 930;11997544]Good to see you found a shop.

Spring for a full service....oil change and filter, valve adjustment with new gaskets, plugs, ignition parts, air and fuel filters and compression check and overall inspection.
Might as well change the gearbox fluid as well....

This will give a good baseline of the overall health of the motor and gearbox

Additionally getting the car up on a rack can reveal other needed service items such as CV boots A/C hoses. ]

Will definitely return with an update