Noooooo! 1st a faint click developed into a loud claque
 

As per title, first I thought injector, got louder within 20 miles and developed into a rather loud claq, corresponding to rpm.

No cel, no loss of power, no rough running, just that sound.

I will tow the car to the shop and let them figure out what it is, hopefully IMS caught early enough? Water pump?

Andy, from the recordings of IMS bearings I have heard fail, once you hear the clacking there is virtually instantaneous destruction if it is not shut down (and many times even if it is). I suspect it is the waterpump, or alternator, or timing chain guides or, in the worst case scenario, a valve. Finger's crossed!

Brad

Timing chain, or a piston picking up on the bore?
Keep us posted!

I will keep you all posted! If that engine is shot, and I hope it's not, I get a 3.6

Is this called the denial phase :) ;) ??

Based on your year and the fact that its a Boxster the chances are good that you are losing a lifter. In 2013 we have saved 8 engines with our procedures and all were suffering the same symptoms as yours. We are a lot of misdiagnosed failures with these engines and these days evenly thing ends up being an IMS failure, even of it isn't. Today we see more if the other 23 modes of failure killing the engines over IMS issues since so many cars have been protected or retrofitted.

Generally IMS death is silent or occurs so instantaneously that the noises don't have a chance to start.

It's probably not dead, at least according to my definition of the term. Failed water pumps leading to cracked heads, broken valve springs and failed cams/lifters are what have our facility populated with Porsches from 19 states at the present.

The 3.6 factory engine is the most problematic of all, it has the same issues and even more than any other M96. Carrera engines are not special, they are just a larger Boxster engine.

Thanks Jake!

I actually was thinking 3.6 done the right way.... :)

We'll see how this will turn out.

Or perhaps my 3.8 :-)

3.8 in a Boxster, oh man that sounds like fun. :D

How do I post a video here? Sounds really like either a main bearing or a lifter.

I think you have to post it on youtube and then put a link to it here.

He emailed me the video.. The rhythm and depth of the sound suggest a lost rod bearing or a cylinder that's worn away creating severe piston slap. I have heard this one before and it's always been a worst case scenario.

Perfect candidate to GO BIG!

Like we say at my gym, "go heavy or go home"! LOL!!:)

OK, Here is the youtube link

Boxster 3.2 bad engine sound - YouTube

Microphones are tricky things and I am on a mobile but still hear piston slap. This is based on motorcycle experience from long ago.

How on earth can this happen?? I do not know enough, somebody educate me, please?

Always the right oil at the right time, never overreved, always warmed up as should be, at least when I owned this car......

I wouldn't disagree, however, piston slap usually disappears (or at least reduces in volume) as the engine gets to operating temperature......

Right, I think.. On my last drive, approx. 6 miles, cold start, slight metallic ticking, stopped for like 10 minutes, and on the way back, within the last 1/2 mile this sound developed. Engine was def at operating temperature.

I can't hear your clip (speaker issues). Does it sound like this? Could be cylinder scoring ...needs bore scope to confirm


996 3.6l Engine Noise - YouTube

EDIT. never mind... I see Jake Raby listened to your clip.

p.s.
I have to wonder if aftermarket mods may tip the engine towards this type of woe.

PL, that 996 video sounds exactly like mine.... eerie!!

oh I think that 996 owner said they found scoring on a specific cylinder. He complained of high oil consumption and catalytic converters not lasting more than a couple of years. Lots of track punishment.

by the way, how is your coolant level typically? How many waterpumps or how many miles on the original?