2.7 986, ticking noise recently developed, - video included
 

Hi all, my boxster suddenly developed this ticking noise, it appears to be coming from the RHS of the engine, having difficulty diagnosing and would appreciate any suggestions or advice before taking it off to a porsche specialist.
I have (wishful thinking) checked the tightness of the spark plugs on the RHS after seeing a few reports mention this, however I am led to believe it is likely a stuck or collapsed hydraulic lifter.
I would appreciate any guidance here, many thanks.

https://youtu.be/J69YRs7ZHZ8

That doesn't sound like lifter noise. Haven't heard one like that before, so I can't help.

Did you pull the belt to see if the noise goes away? If the noise goesw away... check the idler and tensioner pulleys.

Thanks for the replies,
Just a bit more information:-
Mileage is at 110,000 miles
2500 miles since last oil change.
Have flushed and changed oil,
Serpentine belt removed,
Checked plugs and coils on RHS where noise is prevalent
Visual check of manifold, exhaust and shielding.
The noise still persists, I will be trying some liqui- moly lifter additive later today and have a technician coming to give it a look tomorrow.
The noise started suddenly whilst driving in traffic, good engine temps, water and oil levels.
Thank you for any advice.

This is not a noise from a lifter.

And if, that is beyond something you can solve with an additive.

bore scoring is a possible cause. need to pull plugs, check for dirty oily plugs, good starting point to then carry out a borescope...

this is also occuring on the 981 engines with direct injection..

hope im wrong

https://www.facebook.com/john.wood.7921/videos/1342792849066290/
My 3.4 made a similar noise and it turned out to be a lifter had gone flat

Hi all, thought I would post you with an update, took it to a local “specialist” who had a look at it, I was advised that it would not be financially economical to repair the car, and that likely the repair bill would exceed £3000, annoyed at the lack of willing to even take a closer look at the car, from this well recommended garage, dispersed the last of my hope for ever rectifying the issue.
I did a few short trips in the vehicle over the period until March, putting up with the abysmal noise,
It did quieten down a fair bit, but still a very loud and persistent knock/tap.
Mid March the noise became a more imbalanced rumble, anticipating a complete failure, I took it out for one last drive, and to my amazement, I turned the radio off and the noise had completely stopped, the car runs as was before the noise started. Absolutely can’t believe it, I was ready to hand over £2000 for an inspection. I’ve since completed around 3000miles with no further issue!
The only additive I added was 1/2 a bottle of marvels mystery oil obtained via amazon and around 1000miles, I don’t put much faith that this helped, but just FYI

It sounds to me like a typical top end noise. My guess, and that's all any of us can give you without digging in deeper, is that it's a lifter/valve noise.


Edit: I just read that it went away. If, indeed, it was the Marvel Mystery Oil, then most likely your original problem was a stuck/collapsed lifter. (Although I have no idea why it would have advanced into a rumble)

Great news that the noise is gone, though!! :dance:

Not sure how I missed this thread!
I'm with Piper on this one. MMOil is a common-cure for stuck lifters. Don't leave it in there for thousands of miles though; it's very good at removing varnishes, and you'll want to get that our of your crankcase sooner than later.