2001 Boxster S - worrying ticking / knocking noise

[Motorhead]

Hi Mark,

Sorry to hear that you had to miss Silverstone this weekend with your problem.

First off it’s impossible to say exactly what’s causing the noise even if you manage to record something because sound is very directional, and the F-6 engine always sounds very noisy because of it’s boxer layout, with the significant block and crankcase areas emitting noise which is reflected out the sides of the car. Compare this with an inline engine which is encapsulated and with absorption materials in the engine bay to attenuate the sound.

Having said that, if what you’re hearing is more of a ticking sound it’s more likely to be associated with the valve train, the hydraulic tappets in particular. On the other hand a knocking sound more likely will emanate from the bottom end, a big-end bearing for instance. If you can get under the car then you may be able to identify if the sound is coming from the top or bottom-end. A sound stethoscope would be useful in this instance, but you could try using a screwdriver, with the blade as a probe and the handle in your ear.

Hope that’s helpful for starters, and keep us updated on progress.

Jeff

 

[stagmark]

Hi all,
My first contribution to this, and unfortunately not a great one…!
I bought a 2001 986 Boxster S a few months back now. I have been a member here and have used the forums to do some research on upgrading a few bits, though need to ask for some (more serious) help please.
I was really looking forward to taking the car to Silverstone festival this weekend, though it developed a ticking / knocking noise, so ended up not taking it, which was really disappointing, and also meant I didn’t get to meet the group either.
I have a video of the noise, and will see if I can upload it here, though not sure I can upload a video? If anyone can help with this, let me know - happy to share…
To me it sounds like it from the engine itself rather than rattling/exhaust etc, though could be wrong. The noise increases with revs as well.
Is there things I can check to try and diagnose / rule out certain things (new to the Boxster platform and not seen much of the engine at all so far!). I am not confident enough to drive it, in case it is something more major (looking online, I have seen stories of stuck lifters through to IMS knocking…!).
Any help or support would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Mark

 

[stagmark]

Thanks Jeff, really appreciate your comments.

The noise does seem to be top end (to my ear, and also to another chap, who is a car guy though not Porsche), though difficult to say.

Just not sure whether to drive home to try and investigate further myself, or to take it (or get it recovered) to my local independent specialist and stump up the cost…?! Probably no right answer…

 

[Motorhead]

A difficult call Mark, and as you say there’s no easy answer. If it’s just a sticking tappet then probably a steady, shortish drive would be OK, but if it’s something more serious like a run bearing, or maybe worse, a failed IMS bearing, then that would be unadvisable since it could cause significant damage to the engine.

I suppose the safest option is to get someone with the right expertise and facilities to have a look at the car and give you the benefit of their experience.

Jeff

Edit: Something I should have asked is whether or not de-clutching has any effect on the noise because if it does that could indicate that it’s clutch or transmission related rather than coming from the engine.

 

[tjb]

If you have only had a few months can you take it back to the garage you bought it from, any warranty?

 

[stagmark]

Thanks Jeff - that is my current thinking as well - I started it again today and it almost sounds worse / louder (when cold).

De clutching doesn’t seem to make any difference either…

Thanks for the other reply - it was a private sale, so unfortunately unable to go back or have any warranty with it…!

 

[911hillclimber]

Just my 2p's worth:

Unless you have experience of many of these engines you may be guessing if it is a bad problem or lighter, and the car is stuck on your drive.

A good indie with Porsche specialism will be able to give a much more accurate assessment and quickly. Such people are listed in the back of Porsche Post.

You can ask for recommended people if you say where abouts you are.

You may be lucky and be able to call one out to the car as you (rightly) are worried about driving it as I would be if my Boxster was doing the same.

The technician would be able to give you an opinion on the engine on your drive for a relatively low cost, and you would have some facts to consider.

He may even bring a trailer?

I wish you well and hope it is a simple fix. Please keep us informed, we all learn from this kind of thing.

 

[stagmark]

Thank you, really appreciate those comments (and glad to hear that I have done the right thing in being worried / not driving it!).

For info - I am based in Essex, near Billericay. The car is currently in Upminster at my in-laws. If anyone has any thoughts or recommendations on who can potentially assist / experience, I would really appreciate it.

I spoke with Porsche Specialist Services in Romford, though they are booking from mid Oct to diagnose / look at it.

thanks again

 

[Motorhead]

Hi Mark,

You’re out of my area but Porsche Specialist Services look to be a decent outfit, and PP also gives ADH Porsche as a specialist located in Essex [not too impressed with their website though].

For London you’ve got Charles Ivey, Porchetech, Portiacraft and No 5 Garage, all of whom have been in business for many years, and it would be worth giving them a call for advice and to see if they can help.

You could try contacting the Essex and London Club ROs who will have better local knowledge of specialists in their area and whose contact numbers will be on this website.

Jeff