help! loud whirring sound ...

[germaniac]

Guys,

I was on the highway heading to work this a.m. when I realized I was about to blow by my exit, so without hesitation, I dropped down a gear and stomped it to make it ahead of a few slower vehicles and into the exit lane -- no prob.

Then as my rush subsides (sp.) I notice a loud whirring sound coming from behind me...I mean really loud. It was gone at idle but picked up upon acceleration. All vital signs were ok and it seemed to run fine (maybe a tad power loss, might be in my head)

I was told by a 996 owner at work that under extreme driving conditions an auxhilary fan kicks on in his car -- loud as hell....could it be this? Or did I blow a hose loose and the sound I hear is rushing air

Help...holiday's coming and I don't need a massive repair bill lol


Rob

[Topless]

Open her up and have a look around. Maybe failing belt or pulley bearing. No way to tell for sure from your description. Any warning lights? Check engine lights?

For best response always include your year, model, mileage, and recent service or mods when troubleshooting.

[germaniac]

Topless,

It is a '98 Boxster with 97k trouble-free miles. I had a massive tune-up less than 4k ago, though it has not been driven much in three years....once a week at times (it was at my atlanta home for storage)

it really sounds like the engine compartment lid is open and air is rushing out upon acceleration.

Like I stated, power etc. seems fine and there are no warning lights flashing


Thanks again.

Rob

[germaniac]

I drove the car again at lunch without incident...the noise is still there and I am wondering again if the rear deck/engine compartment hasn't come open and it is just engine noise... but it is more prominent when engaging releasing the clutch...

Remember, I have a zeintop installed so my engine is really exposed behind me so my lid theory may be correct, which I will check on after work but any ideas are welcomed.

[RandallNeighbour]

Originally Posted by germaniac

It is a '98 Boxster with 97k trouble-free miles.

I guess that phase of Porsche ownership is now over, huh?

It's not the cooling fan unless an electrical issue is keeping it running... and it's not loud enough to hear while driving at speed. I only hear mine when slowly moving the car into the garage or when the motor's just been turned off.

[germaniac]

trouble-free ownership continues....whoohoo!

Two bolts on the engine compartment had worked loose and it was road noise, engine noise etc....duh. all good and fixed.

Thanks guys for the advice