Worrying engine noise!
 

Gents,

Today when I started my car I heard a new noise from the engine: sound clip
The noise is coming from the passenger side. In the clip I move the mic from the passenger side to the drivers side at 9s, then back to the passenger side at 12s. My first (uneducated) guess is a collapsed chain tensioner? It's got the updated hydraulic tensioners.

After a short run I shut the car down. I'd rather not restart it until I'm sure I won't cause (further) damage. Thanks for any help!

Adriano

Might be relevant to add that my idle fluctuated on startup for 30 seconds or so before settling. This was the first time this happened since getting the car several months ago and coincidental with the new tapping noise.

EDIT: I took a chance and restarted the engine. Using the "screwdriver as stethescope" method I couldn't locate the source. It seems to be coming from further inside the engine than the valve covers though... not too sure. The frequency is proportional to RPM.

I can't get the file to play.

Damn this iPhone. I will try to convert it when I get home. It's a loud "tap" "tap" "tap" coming only from the passenger side.

it sounds more like a valve clacking than a tensioner. try to use a long screwdriver placed on your ear and touch various places on the engine with the other end while the engine is running to locate the source of the noise, or use one of those fancy stethoscopes.

I was able to get the file to play with itunes, but couldn't discern what the problem might be. It's definitely noisy - and doesn't sound good.

http://www.amazon.com/MECHANICS-STETHOSCOPE-ENGINE-DIAGNOSTIC-AUTO/dp/B002A1IQ58

I would try this method, under 20$ @ any auto part store

I managed to convert it to mp3: sound clip

Sounds like a noisy rocker arm, pull the covers and check for a backed off tensioner.
eric

Broken valve spring? I only mention it because I had one let go earlier this summer and it sounded similar.

Safe to assume I probably shouldn't drive home?
Should I even start the engine again?

I will consult the bentley/101 projects re: rocker and valve springs, thanks all.

+1

Start at the rocker arms. When you find the loose one check the valve spring for breakage. If you can isolate the ticking to DS or PS you may only need to remove one valve cover to find the culprit.

I would check all of the rocker arms and adjust as needed.

When was the last time you adjusted the valves?

I haven't yet. I realize that should have been first on my to-do list. I've had the car for a couple thousand miles now.

I just read through the 101 projects valve adjust procedure -- by 'tensioner' you mean the retaining nut? Relative novice here so pardon my ignorance. And if it's just the tensioner and not a broken valve spring will this valve adjust set me straight?

That's correct, Mr. Scott.


The big question is why did the nut "back off", if it did. If a valve spring broke, there is no tension on the rocker arm, causing it to be loose.

I'm sure a Pelican is close and maybe could help you with this.EDIT: Just saw that you are in MY.

If you don't know what you are looking for, it will be hard to find. The good news is that it isn't catstrophic.

That IS good news, thanks.

I searched a bunch and from what I gather I shouldn't be able to compress the spring with hand pressure on the rocker.

It's not getting buttoned up until next week anyway since I need to order gaskets, nuts, etc. so I figure I'll go through the valve adjust procedure and if one rocker doesn't feel like the other I'll dig some more.

Solid?

Solid!!:D

:) Seems it would help to isolate the location with a stethoscope -- but is it safe to run the engine?
And thanks for the early morning help, I'm headed over to the parts store now for a 24mm socket.

Just listened to the noise...

It sounds like a broken valve spring to me.

But I can't be 100% sure because it's a recording and it's not in a 3d space.

Can you get to an experienced Porsche mechanic? I hate to be a drag but that may be the best solution.
The experienced Porsche mechanic should be able to tell exactly what it is...