Oiling issue during autocross

[thstone]

I had a very similar ticking with my engine and I believe what you're hearing is a lifter. My ticking also started after a track session.

It was never noticeable on the street but it got progressively worse and would be easy to hear after coming off the track.

With over 130,000 miles on the engine, I just let it go and kept driving the car to/from the track and racing.

Ultimately (at 136,000 miles and 89 track days), a lifter failed and my engine had to be completely rebuilt including replacing all of the lifters and the lifter carrier/cradle. Here is the story: http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/52798-engine-failure-pics.html

I wouldn't worry too much right at this moment, but an engine noise is never a good thing and I'd recommend that you have your engine checked to have the ticking source identified so you know exactly what's going on.

[seningen]

Originally Posted by thstone

I had a very similar ticking with my engine and I believe what you're hearing is a lifter. My ticking also started after a track session.

It was never noticeable on the street but it got progressively worse and would be easy to hear after coming off the track.

With over 130,000 miles on the engine, I just let it go and kept driving the car to/from the track and racing.

Ultimately (at 136,000 miles and 89 track days), a lifter failed and my engine had to be completely rebuilt including replacing all of the lifters and the lifter carrier/cradle. Here is the story: http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/52798-engine-failure-pics.html

I wouldn't worry too much right at this moment, but an engine noise is never a good thing and I'd recommend that you have your engine checked to have the ticking source identified so you know exactly what's going on.

So is it a lifter failing or debris in the lifter?

Trying to understand how it can come and go?

Does the heat or thinning oil allow bypassing the internal lifter seals?

Mike

[com3dorm3]

I have the same issue after the car is tracked (or AX'd in really hot days).
The problem is that the oil temperature gets too high and causes a significant drop in oil pressure.

For my car (Base 986, running Motul 300v 10W40, EBS oil baffle, Boxster S Oil cooler) the ticking happens when oil temperature hits 230F.
At this temperature or above, the oil pressure @ idle drops bellow 10psi and the tick becomes audible.
Under these circumstances - coming back to the paddock or after finishing an autocross run - I keep the revs above idle where oil pressure is 15psi or above (no ticking)
Of course, this is no real solution.

At this time, I'm hesitant to install a 3rd radiator. I wonder if using 15W50 would help minimize the oil pressure drop when the oil temp hits 230-240F

[seningen]

Originally Posted by com3dorm3

I have the same issue after the car is tracked (or AX'd in really hot days).
The problem is that the oil temperature gets too high and causes a significant drop in oil pressure.

For my car (Base 986, running Motul 300v 10W40, EBS oil baffle, Boxster S Oil cooler) the ticking happens when oil temperature hits 230F.
At this temperature or above, the oil pressure @ idle drops bellow 10psi and the tick becomes audible.
Under these circumstances - coming back to the paddock or after finishing an autocross run - I keep the revs above idle where oil pressure is 15psi or above (no ticking)
Of course, this is no real solution.

At this time, I'm hesitant to install a 3rd radiator. I wonder if using 15W50 would help minimize the oil pressure drop when the oil temp hits 230-240F

I've added a temp gauge and oil pressure gauge -- I'll have to keep an eye on
those my next track day.

contemplating adding a fan and external oil cooler.

As I have the S -- I already have 3 coolant radiators.

Mike

[Topless]

Sounds like a lifter ran temporarily dry.

I had that happen at a PDS where we were doing successive skidpad exercises in one direction and oil pooled on one side of the engine. I was also running with oil level 1/2 way on the gauge. One of the local performance shop owners recommended to always run with oil at the very top of the measurable gauge without overfilling to avoid running lifters dry or worse. I followed his advice and never had this issue again.

Always check oil when the car is warm.

[com3dorm3]

Originally Posted by Topless

... always run with oil at the very top of the measurable gauge without overfilling ...

Yes. Very important.
Unfortunately for me, that did not prevent the issue.

[heymanwatchthis]

Originally Posted by Topless

Sounds like a lifter ran temporarily dry.

I had that happen at a PDS where we were doing successive skidpad exercises in one direction and oil pooled on one side of the engine. I was also running with oil level 1/2 way on the gauge. One of the local performance shop owners recommended to always run with oil at the very top of the measurable gauge without overfilling to avoid running lifters dry or worse. I followed his advice and never had this issue again.

Always check oil when the car is warm.

Topless - Based on conversations so far this is the consensus, however I am still going to get it checked out. Nevertheless, I have changed my oil checking technique.

I have been interested in getting oil pressure and temp gauges anyway, this is a good reason to go ahead. Also considering a deeper sump/baffle/accusump, doing homework now.

[seningen]

Originally Posted by heymanwatchthis

Topless - Based on conversations so far this is the consensus, however I am still going to get it checked out. Nevertheless, I have changed my oil checking technique.

I have been interested in getting oil pressure and temp gauges anyway, this is a good reason to go ahead. Also considering a deeper sump/baffle/accusump, doing homework now.

First thing I did when I got my Boxster s for the track was to add 1/2qt deep sump and EBS baffle plate.

I run amsoil 20w/50 racing oil.

As mentioned earlier I also added oil pressure and oil temp gauges.

I run my oil fairly full. I'd risk an aos issue before spinning a bearing or collapsing a lifter.

I also went with a under drive pulliy to protect my power steering pump.

Not a fool proof plan, but I'm hoping it's good enuf for now .

Mike