Rattle at Start-Up

[Seadweller]

I've read through I don't know how much info on the net about this, but there doesn't seem to be a common consensus regarding what, if any action, to take.

My '98 Boxster has around 36K original miles, and has been obsessively maintained by both the prior owner and myself. The car can sit in the garage for 2-3 weeks at times, and I do get the rattle on initial startup, but not a peep thereafter. I assume this is the tensioners losing their "prime".

So, is this something that needs addressing, or is it normal for a car that can sit for extended periods?

[BoxsterSteve]

Lots of threads here and other forums.
Apparently the early 5 chain motors like yours and mine are noisier with start up chain rattle than the later 3 chain motors.
From what I've read, it's the 4-6 bank tensioner that bleeds out and loses its oil prime because it hangs upside down.
There have been several revisions to the tensioners, swapping yours out may help. I'm kinda on the fence about wanting to swap mine out, but there's always somewhere else you can spend the roughly $300 it costs for the newer replacements.

[Retroman1969]

"I assume this is the tensioners losing their "prime"."

That's exactly what it is. Mine does the same thing, but it does it every morning because it has a ton of miles on it. I'd say don't worry about it, as long as it settles down right after initial startup.

[WillH]

I get this on my Superduke. Used to get it on the primary chain on my Norton. I thought I was getting it with my box.
I changed to motul last fall when I put it away and I'm not entirely convinced that it's quieter now but... it sounds quieter on start up.
Not trying to start on oil thread and/but questioning my memory, but I swear it's quieter. Could it be just getting enough miles and good oil that things are getting better and the box is happy after hitting the rev limiter regularly, don't know but...

I know this doesn't help but at worst consider it a bump.

[jcslocum]

I replaced the drivers side tensioner when we did some work back there and that noise is now gone. The ole tensioner spring was about 1/2 the strength, with a crude test I did. Easy to change and now all that much $$. There are pictures in my thread. I will find a link.

[Seadweller]

Originally Posted by jcslocum

I replaced the drivers side tensioner when we did some work back there and that noise is now gone. The ole tensioner spring was about 1/2 the strength, with a crude test I did. Easy to change and now all that much $$. There are pictures in my thread. I will find a link.

Thanks, I'd appreciate the link....