Engine noise/grind/rattle - Should I have it towed?
 

Well on my 5th day of Boxster ownership - it does this to me. The engine is making a noise when I accelerate - doesn't do it at idle. I don't even know the car yet so I have no idea. I drove it from Dallas to Houston fine Saturday. Sat in garage Monday Tuesday, drove it to work this morning. So I'm stuck at work until I decide what to do. Thoughts?

Better recording: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0JbJHLWRKM&feature=youtu.be

Boxster - YouTube

I couldn't hear anything unusual on the video. Best way to check for damage is to remove & inspect the oil filter for metal debris. If there is metal in the filter don't start the engine, if the filter is clean just replace on engine & is probably a safe bet to start the engine & listen for noise. You may loose 1/2 quart of oil doing this but it's safe to drive a quart low.

I braved it one more time to get a better recording. It's not IMS is it? :( This time it did it right as I started at low RPMs.

Boxster Engine Noise - YouTube

If you do find metal debris in the oil filter or have a flashing CEL, do not start the car or even turn over the engine.

Otherwise, it depends on your tolerance for taking risks. I have AAA coverage and I always tow my car to my independent or the one local dealer I trust whenever I'm concerned. This is my better safe than sorry approach to keeping my 01S running.

One question, does the noise start when the car RPMs go above 4000. If this was the case, one place to look is whether the Variocams work properly. You'll need a diagnostic tool to start to look into this. So this might be another reason to take the car in for inspection.

This is the sound of an IMSB failing

http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/43137-death-ims-caught-video.html

I've watched that video 50 times this morning - mine didn't sound like that when I was driving. But listening to my last recording it sure sounds bad and more like it.

Sigh.

I don't think so but you need to have it checked out. If you could have the oil filter inspected before driving it that's the easiest peek into the engine.

VarioCam change happens between 2100-2500RPM

I'm getting it towed. Local shop will inspect. 5 days after buying it. Fk me.

Thanks guys.

Hopefully, it just something loose that vibrates at certain engine RPMs. Good luck

Good Luck with it Patssle. Hopefully its nothing serious. Let us know how you make out. Wishing
the best for you.....

what year is the car?

It is a 2000 S

Some Porsches are cheap to buy, but none are cheap to own.

was the clutch done? Did they do anything about the IMSB at that time? did they confirm whether you have a dual row IMSB? 2000's require visual inspection.

as the others have posted the sound doesn't seem similar to the "marbles in the blender" of a grenaded engine. Sounds more like something is loose or slapping.

Keep us posted. I'd like to know what it was and how it was repaired.

It only had 46k miles - so no clutch work. Didn't hear back from the shop today - grrrr.

Will find out my fate tomorrow I guess. If the car is fine and it's not the IMS - I'm still going to have it done. I'm not going to have a panic attack every time I hear a rattle from the engine.

heat shield rattling? That would be harmless and simple to fix.


(hope it's not the IMS)

WATERPUMP!

Thank god. I was really wanting to replace it anyways being 13 years old and 46k miles. This gets it done. They gave me a rather high quote for IMS (2000-2500) so I need to shop around for that - I still want that done for peace of mind.

How much did they quote for the IMSB replacement?