IT'S FIXED! Cam Tower Noise is completely gone. LooneyBin was dead on - Thanks!

Tidybuoy · 09:49 PM

Many of you may remember my post regarding my CAM tower clacking and a loud rattling coming from the engine. I got many good tips and have been trying to diagnose this problem before having to spend a couple of grand taking it into a shop and finding out it's a bearing or something.

The noise was very difficult to diagnose and sounded like lifters clacking when standing over the engine but also sounded like and exhaust leak when driving. Plus, there was a rattle that sounded like it was inside the engine. Definately worrysome.

So after $800 in parts, I was ready to figure this thing out and learned a lot about my car in the process.

THE WINNER IS: LOONEYBIN (HE GUESSED IT DEAD ON) Read on for details:

1) The oil pressure was running at 5 bar and not dropping to 3 bar like it usually did. I bought a new oil pressure relief valve but that did not cure the problem (just cost me $350).

Lesson Learned: The oil pressure was staying at 5 bar because I was barely driving the car and never going over 30mph (since the problem started). One time, I drove all the way across town (about 25 miles) and after the car heated up....3 bar was back.

2) bought new motor mounts as the engine seemed to be vibrating more than normal. (another $300) was going to change them today but I discovered
that my end wrenches suck and I need some new ones - postponed this.

Lesson learned: I got my car up on 4 stands, got my butt under the car and really inspected - with a flashlight. Jiggled everything but nothing moved.

Then I saw it! Could it be this simple? Am I an idiot? There were two exhaust manifold bolts that were just to the point of falling off. One was sitting right on top of the heat shield (the rattle).

THIS IS WHAT LOONEYBIN SAID HAPPEND TO HIS CAR!

I tightened them up, and voila! The sound is completely gone. Man, I feel a bit stupid - but in my defense, I had an expert Porsche mechanic look at it (albeit, a quick lookover) and he was stumped too.

A big thanks to everyone on this board! I got great advise and seeing as you guys are not physically here to listen to the sound, the problem was not easy to diagnose - but it's FIXED! I just drove on the freeway for the first time in two weeks and it felt damm good.

Did I mention that I now own a compression testor & leak down testor & I've got great compression (210 in each cylinder).

Vern

hpservertech · 03-09-2008, 08:46 PM

That's great! Glad to see it was something simple.

Amazing isn't it?

Tidybuoy · 03-09-2008, 08:54 PM

It is amazing! I'm headed outside to wash my car & I can't wait to drive to work in the morning.

hpservertech · 03-09-2008, 08:58 PM

Must be nice to be able to wash a car in March. Once again we are suppossed to get flurries tonight.

Tidybuoy · 03-09-2008, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hpservertech

Must be nice to be able to wash a car in March. Once again we are suppossed to get flurries tonight.

If it would make you feel better, we have snow about an hour away. But, here in Fresno, CA - it was in the 70's today.

Razorback1980 · Razorback1980's Garage

That is good. Glad you got it figured out. Good work.

callmethewander · callmethewander's Garage

congrats Tidy, and thx for sharing the info.

fbgh2o · 03-10-2008, 08:16 AM

And this is why I will not be driving wither of my Porsches for a while... Both of which now have mysterious noises...

Picture taken yesterday morning...

John_AZ · 03-10-2008, 08:53 AM

Tidybouy,

Congratulations!

Motor mounts. I recently changed both and my 2c:
Make sure you have the correct length of bolts for the new motor mounts. Measure twice or purchase set.

REMOVE FRONT SWAY BAR -8 bolts, easy.

Place floor jack under oil pan-use wood as buffer
Some may suggest the upper engine lift-4x4 home made with chains does not work as well as floor jack. I tried both and not worth the extra work to set up.
Time? about 3 hours
Satisfaction-priceless and no 950 rpm vibration.

Good luck

John_AZ

Tidybuoy · 03-10-2008, 09:27 AM

I almost changed the motor mounts yesterday but my end wrenches started to strip the mount nuts. So, I decided I need the end wrenches that are open but almout surround the nut for better grip (or thinner box-end wrenches so they will fit up in there).

Regarding the bolts, do you know if Pelican sells them. I read on the site how to measure which size you need but I didn't check to see if they sell them. I went to the hardware store but they didn't have the exact sizes. I figured I'd just buy both sizes (only 4 bolts).

Just curious, how did your old mounts look compared to the new. My old ones look fine but I haven't actually taken any measurements.

Vern

John_AZ · 03-10-2008, 09:44 AM

Tidybouy,
Mine "looked" new and I followed SoCal Driver's procedure to check distance from top of support. No tear on rubber, no fluid leaks. My conclusion: soft and worn. The new hard 951style does add stiffness and you will feel more of road.

John_AZ
1988 924S to Show
1987 924S to Go
1998 Cherokee to Tow

Razorback1980 · Razorback1980's Garage

Fergus, If i were in all that white stuff and temperatures, I would have mysterious noises too.

Tidybuoy · 03-10-2008, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Razorback1980

Fergus, If i were in all that white stuff and temperatures, I would have mysterious noises too.

hmmmm, perhaps a small critter is hibernating.

looneybin · 03-10-2008, 12:32 PM

hmmmm, perhaps a small critter is hibernating

I opened the hood of a camero i had in college because it wouldn't start & there was a possum in there bearing it's teeth at me. (i about crapped my pants & slammed the hood down)

Vern, glad it's fixed