Does this sound like chain tensioners? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Dale_K · 12-13-2011, 06:33 AM

I get a nasty rattle that lasts for about 2 seconds with a cold start. I think it's probably cam chain tensioners but I thought I'd post it to get a second opinion.

This video doesn't totally capture the sound at its worst and I'm aware there is some residual valve lash clatter even after the first couple of seconds. Concentrate on the initial sound on the start up.

Ghostrider 310 · 12-13-2011, 07:27 AM

Like a gear sliding on chain links sound then it smooths right out? Don't want to be Debbie Downer but that's exactly what my 98 did for about eight months before breaking; I was always of the thought it was the tensioner that went bad. If you check the pelican projects, you will see it references a redesign in tensioners for the 986, which really is a head scratcher how many years does Porsche need to make tensioners before they get it right?

Jake Raby · 12-13-2011, 07:29 AM

Sounds like classic tensioners to me.. Pull them out and clean them with some Marvel Mystery oil heated to around 160F... Partially submerge them and pump on the pistons until clean oil appears and then reinstall.. You should be good to go.

jaykay · 12-13-2011, 07:33 AM

This doesn't all that unusual for Boxsters in my opinion. Mine tends to be quieter with thicker oil

It is tricky to get the right mic to convey what you are hearing; it may not be responding to the first two seconds of noise as much as you would like.

Engine experts?

san rensho · 12-13-2011, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake Raby

Sounds like classic tensioners to me.. Pull them out and clean them with some Marvel Mystery oil heated to around 160F... Partially submerge them and pump on the pistons until clean oil appears and then reinstall.. You should be good to go.

Jake-Can I just lock the motor at TDC and then remove, clean and replace one tensioner at a time or do I need to lock the cams also? I have a 5 chain motor.

jaykay · 12-13-2011, 08:29 AM

Sounds like I have to post a sound clip here as well when winter is over. I had thought chain tensioner removal was a major undertaking requiring one to drop the engine?? Well it's major in my garage anyway.

How long can one get away with dirty tensioners?

fivepointnine · 12-13-2011, 11:48 AM

the initial clatter on startup for about a second sounds pretty normal to me and all the Boxsters I have drove (and 996's)

thstone · 12-13-2011, 11:51 AM

Pelican's DIY guide to cam tensioner replacement: Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Camshaft Upgrade / Chain Tensioner Replacement - 986 / 987

Instructions say that it can be done with the engine still in the car but doesn't look like a trivial job.

Ghostrider 310 · 12-13-2011, 12:20 PM

I was embarking on that same quest but when my leg wouldn't hold me I sold the car to Jake, perhaps in the near future you guys will see a tensioner job or whatever did go wrong. A lot of the tensioner job is dis assembly, however, once all the way to the heads, it does look like a challenge, a job that is not insurmountable but will likely test your patience and every bit of skill you have. Even one of the local crackerjack indy's waived off on that job and he wrenches daily.

BYprodriver · 12-13-2011, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thstone

Pelican's DIY guide to cam tensioner replacement: Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Camshaft Upgrade / Chain Tensioner Replacement - 986 / 987

Instructions say that it can be done with the engine still in the car but doesn't look like a trivial job.

This thread is about CHAIN tensioners not Vario-cam tensioners

san rensho · 12-13-2011, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BYprodriver

This thread is about CHAIN tensioners not Vario-cam tensioners

So is it possible to remove and clean the tensioners one at a time without locking the cams?

Ghostrider 310 · 12-13-2011, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BYprodriver

This thread is about CHAIN tensioners not Vario-cam tensioners

OK maybe I'll be the dick of the day here but... I don't remember seeing any other tensioners in the Bentley manual

Dale_K · 12-13-2011, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by san rensho

Jake-Can I just lock the motor at TDC and then remove, clean and replace one tensioner at a time or do I need to lock the cams also? I have a 5 chain motor.

I'd like to know this too. I've read every thread I could find about this job on different forums - some where the owner claimed he did it one-at-a-time without locking the cams and then some other folks say it's vital to use the special tool. My car is a 2000 S.

If anybody knows a DIY writeup w/pics on this subject (I've seen the Pelican one) please post a link.

Steve Tinker · 12-13-2011, 11:33 PM

I must say that my 2001 S (@ 50,000 miles) sounds a lot like Dales car's initial 1 to 2 second "chain being dragged over a log" noise - but mines only on cold startup (though Dales car ticks more than mine after the initial noise has died down).
I'm running Shell Helix Ultra 5W40, changed every 3000 miles, but that hasn't changed the noise since I bought the car from the OPC over 3 years ago.
I believe there are 3 hydraulic tensioners involved, which can leak down or get lazy over time, allowing the cam chain tension to become slack and noisy on startup. If I remember correctly, there is a newer version out that has a small keeper spring which helps pre-tension the chains. The engine has tobe locked down to replace /inspect these tensioners. Perhaps someone can verify ......
Perhaps changing to 15W40 oil will help prevent bleeding down?

I think a lot of us have the same questions - what are the long term affects of having the hydraulic tensioners slow in pumping up as per Jakes comment above - a skipped chain is the last thing anyone needs, but surely the hydraulic tensioners don't bleed down that far !!!
I'm assuming Marvel Mystery Oil is genuine & probably something we can't get here in Australia.

Ghostrider 310 · 12-14-2011, 04:25 AM

From what I read in preparation, it needs to be locked down, there are some metal plugs that need to be replaced after the procedure that cover the cam ends. The tool, which looks rather simplistic would be needed. If you had one to copy you probably could but by the time you go to the trouble...After you lock everything you can start. Part of the procedure includes removing a sprocket, with the chain loaded, that part looks like it would be easy to screw up.

Spinnaker · 12-14-2011, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Tinker

I'm assuming Marvel Mystery Oil is genuine & probably something we can't get here in Australia.

Yes, it is real. Has been around forever here in the U.S.
::Marvel Mystery Oil::

tonycarreon · 12-14-2011, 09:10 AM

if i'm understanding right, jake's talking about the chain tensioner (green arrow)

and not the vario-cam tensioner

also, this little blurb from pelican parts:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pelican Parts Website

Chain Tensioner Failures: There's been some chatter lately about chain tensioners failing on some of the M96 motors. If your car is noisy on startup and then suddenly quiets down, it may indicate a problem with your chain tensioners. Porsche updated the design of the tensioners in 2000 (TSB Group 1 NR 8/00), and replaced them with an improved design. I recommend that you update and replace your chain tensioners if they are the older style. See Project 16 for more information on how to identify and replace them.

Ghostrider 310 · 12-14-2011, 10:47 AM

Maybe we will all see a tensioner job when this gets to Ga. I would like to take a minute to tell you guys that Jake Raby and his partner James are principled, excellent people to do business with. Sure, like the rest of you sometimes his prices make me gulp hard. BUT I learned well at Kodak you can drive a price premium when you give excellence, I believe that's what is going on in that shop. Good luck with the car Jake, even if it's a loose screw I'd still write the same about you and hope you feel the same way about dealing with me..

jaykay · 12-14-2011, 10:54 AM

Looks like you have cleared things up. My appologies for mis-directing the thread. I didn't know that these were affected by oil crud etc. I though they were just spring loaded and oil damped. Looks like they are accessible in situ.

Does this mean low oil pressure will yield improper chain tension? Yikes!

I would guess that it is best to lock up everything before fiddling with these

Jake Raby · 12-14-2011, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghostrider 310

Maybe we will all see a tensioner job when this gets to Ga. I would like to take a minute to tell you guys that Jake Raby and his partner James are principled, excellent people to do business with. Sure, like the rest of you sometimes his prices make me gulp hard. BUT I learned well at Kodak you can drive a price premium when you give excellence, I believe that's what is going on in that shop. Good luck with the car Jake, even if it's a loose screw I'd still write the same about you and hope you feel the same way about dealing with me..

We'll let you know... Thanks so much for the kind words, sorry it took weeks to get the car picked up.. No one wanted to head into Syracuse! We will stay in touch. You were also very honest, and straight forward to work with.