Yet another engine ticking noise post

chard · May 5, 2011

Just started my 3.2 987 tonight for the first time in around 10 days. I noticed the usual start up ticking noise from the right hand side of the engine bay but also noticed it from the left side as well. I took it out for a run but the ticking still persists, any ideas?

Thanks

Buddy · May 6, 2011

Sounds like dry tappets, is oil level ok should be at least above half scale when cold and did you warm the engine up fully?

What was the oil level while warm from shutdown?

Possible air trapped in the hydraulic tappets but should clear by the time the engine has warmed up for a few minutes.

The holes in the tappets can gum up in high mileage engines but it shouldn't have happened on a 987 using Mobil 1

I know it can be a worry!

But it usually clears, try again tomorrow.

chard · May 6, 2011

Hi,

The oil level is full when the engine is cold, the tapets should'nt be gummed up yet, it's only done 16K mile, possibley the problem, lack of use?

Maybe i've just read to many posts about engines going bang!

chrisw996 · May 6, 2011

I've owned 3 boxsters and currently own a 2.7 987...

...They all have a moody moment, its quite normal, certainly after a period of no use... don't panic, just drive it (so long as the oil level readings are ok you'll be fine) [

]

Buddy · May 7, 2011

Agreed, the oil will drain down when not used for a while and it isn't consistent so it won't happen every time. It's also easy to become a mechanical hypochondriac!

Oil level should be at max with engine warm about 5 minutes after switching off, as the oil expands with running. Only top up if the oil is low when hot. Overfilling can cause oil foaming which can effect some crankcase breather systems.

No need to drain any off, just not to jump the gun when finding it's dropped below full.

Like many others I prefer to have a dipstick as well as the gauge which is handy to use but not so accurate and isn't good for assessing if you've overfilled.

I miss having a dipstick.