Rattle for a split second at cold start

[MnW's 987S]

Just wanted to make sure this is no biggie.

When the car is first started in the morning just after the engine catches there will be a noticeable rattle for literally a split second then it goes away. It does not do it that I have noticed at any other time. It does not sound like valve clatter to me. It sounds more like the bendix drive for the starter is rattling against the ring gear before it manages to pull away. So, does anybody think I am right or it is possibly a more nasty problem? I purposely bought an 06 so that IMS issues should be far less likely.

Thanks,

Mark

[BYprodriver]

Most likely caused by the crankshaft to IMS chain tensioner leaking down overnight. This is common on 986's, I don't know how many miles you have but changing oil viscosity &/or brand may help.

[thstone]

+1 chain tensioner and no big deal. My car does it at cold start for a moment and then quiets down almost immediately. You can live with it or have the chain tensioner, chain, etc replaced. At 90K miles, I live with it. BTW, I use Mobil 1 10-40 and still rattles on startup.

If the noise doesn't go away in a moment or two on startup, then worry.

[MnW's 987S]

Thanks very much! I assumed it was nothing to really worry about. Just when a car is new to me I am very cautious until I am used to the car and it has proven itself to me.