Engine Noise this morning (Video)
 

Does anyone know what this noise is? I heard it this morning when pulling into work. Is it driveable to a nearby Porsche specialist, or should i have it towed, or just overnight a part and install it where it sits tomorrow? Please let me know what you think it may be and what you would do. i have some mechanical experience, but have never pulled apart an engine. Thank you!

http://youtu.be/tz3Rbo3dud8

Can you send the video to your Porsche specialist? Not sure I'd drive it with that much noise, but some of our more experienced members need to comment.

Yes, i did send it to him. Hope to hear back soon. I'll post his response here if he has any good information to share

What is the state of the engine? Some more details would be helpful - Any mods? IMS/Water Pump/Serpentine belt/Alternator/Anything else replaced?

the engine has around 122,000 miles. needs an oil change. ( i was planning to do it next weekend) had the water pump replaced around 18 months ago, and a new belt too. new starter 10 months ago. besides this its been running great as my daily driver

Check Engine Light on?

Does the noise come from the top of the engine.? Only saying that as every time there is a clunk the pulley looks like it shakes, but the video is moving around too much to tell.
Hope it's an easy fix.

No CEL. I can't really tell where the noise was coming from. seems like its somewhere around the belt though. I didn't want to run it too long, so i just did a quick video... sorry for it moving around too much

If possible, grab a ratchet and place the larger end to your ear and touch the other end to the metal, move if it along the engine block to find out where the sound is most prominent. Could it be a spark plug knock? I still have my doubts on the water pump. See if the noise is coming from there, should be possible to tell using the technique above.

Btw, I assume you checked oil level manually using the dipstick and the level look good? I would hesitate to run the engine much until you get your mechanics opinion.

I added some oil a couple weeks ago because it was about a quart low. i have called for a tow truck. im just going to have the mechanic take a look. im also hesitant to run the engine, so im just going to wait for them to take a look, and hopefully this isn't a major problem.

If you can't tell what the problem is by looking at the front belt & pulleys, don't start the engine again, save that for your mechanic.

Did you install a Porsche waterpump or a cheaper off brand? Did it have a metal impeller on the backside?

Agreed I'll wait for the mechanic to take a look. I'm not sure about the water pump. it was done by a local shop that was not a Porsche specialist. My guess is that it was not OEM.

If it were me, I'd take off the serp belt, start the car and see if the sound goes away. If it does, Its a component run by the serp belt. Check each pulley for play, roughness etc.

Put the belt back on and use a stethoscope on each component to verify diagnosis.

I suspect the waterpump.

The mechanic said he thinks it's the water pump. Unfortunately, it's still under warranty from the last (generic auto) place, but i'm afraid to go back there again. The better Denver NC "Werks" shop will install an O.E.M. unit and give me peace of mind. seems like the warranty from the other place would just have me returning again in 18 months with the same problem. what do y'all think?

I agree, "Do it nice or do it twice". Check your waterpump to see if it has the metal impeller facing the engine case & check the waterpump passage in the engine case for damage from the failing metal impeller. That maybe the source of that noise. :eek:

Yes it was the metal impeller on the old faulty one. I'm having it replaced now with an OEM pump with the composite impeller by the local Porsche specialist. Thanks to everyone for your comments and feedback.

I was in a pinch when my water pump failed. The local parts store only had the metal impeller type. That was about 6 months ago. Soon as it warms up a bit more I'll grab a Pierburg 99610601156 water pump and a low temp stat.

Pelican Parts - European Automotive Parts and Accessories - Porsche • BMW • Mercedes • Volkswagen • Audi • Saab • Volvo • MINI