Question on my new 2004 Boxster

[SHLATL]

I just bought a 2004 Boxster from my neighbor after having driven a number of Porches under the Porsche Passport program in Atlanta.

While underneath by 2.7L Boxster I noticed a slightly rusty gear exposed behind the engine that turns when the engine is running. Is this a normal thing? Here's a picture of it:


Thanks,

Steve

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by SHLATL

I just bought a 2004 Boxster from my neighbor after having driven a number of Porches under the Porsche Passport program in Atlanta.

While underneath by 2.7L Boxster I noticed a slightly rusty gear exposed behind the engine that turns when the engine is running. Is this a normal thing? Here's a picture of it:


Thanks,

Steve

Yes, it is the iron outer ring on the flywheel that the starter engages.

[SHLATL]

Thanks,

I thought it might be a major problem.

Here's a picture of it:

[Blackcloud]

Nice. What color is it?

[SHLATL]

Seal Gray Metallic

By the way, would it help or be advisable to lubricate the rusty flywheel?

[SHLATL]

I have another question.

When I coast down a slight hill with very minor bump in the road about 15-25 mph, I hear rattles coming from the rear. don't hear it at any other times.

What could it be?

Thanks,

Steve

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by SHLATL

I have another question.

When I coast down a slight hill with very minor bump in the road about 15-25 mph, I hear rattles coming from the rear. don't hear it at any other times.

What could it be?

Thanks,

Steve

Check your exhaust heat shields, they tend to come loose and rattle over time.

[maytag]

Originally Posted by SHLATL

Seal Gray Metallic

By the way, would it help or be advisable to lubricate the rusty flywheel?

no, and no.

What you see there is very normal oxidization of any cast-iron part, like brake rotors, flywheels, etc. It's not advisable to add any sort of lubrication there, for two reasons:

1. Anything you add will eventually find its way into the CLUTCH. Any petroleum product, (or sometimes even hand-oils!) on the clutch-disc material will cause hot-spots and eventually burn through your clutch. DON'T LUBE IT!

2. Any lube you put on that will immediately be transferred to the small gear on the starter motor. that gear is on a shaft, where it spins and is forced-out to engage the ring-gear every time you start the motor. If you get lube on there, and then it attracts clutch-dust to it, then you get GLUE, which eventually slows (or stops) the gear as it is "thrown" out to the ring gear. and then you get to replace you starter motor. haha. DON'T LUBE IT!!

so, yeah, don't lube it. :-)

[Anker]

The rattle is most likely coming from your trailing arms.

[ndfrigi]

Here is the flywheel and clutch disc.
About the rattle, check also your sway bar drop links.

[SHLATL]

Thanks for the very good advice.

[SHLATL]

Managed to replace the air filter today after figuring out how to fold up the glass back window in service mode. 1st time into the engine compartment. Took almost an hour.

[paulofto]

Originally Posted by SHLATL

Managed to replace the air filter today after figuring out how to fold up the glass back window in service mode. 1st time into the engine compartment. Took almost an hour.

The top is actually opened a little too far. If you move it back towards closing a few inches, the clamshell will actually be more vertical and access to the engine compartment will be easier.

Just a friendly suggestion from someone who has been there and done that.