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Old 05-30-2020, 09:38 PM   #3
thstone
Certified Boxster Addict
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,669
Sounds like a valve tappet is stuck.

The valves use a hydraulic tappet that takes up the valve lash using pressurized oil.This means that the valve clearance never needs to be adjusted. If the oil passage becomes clogged or the tappet gets stuck, then nothing takes up the lash and the valve makes a ticking sound as it is operated.

One of my earlier engines did this (I race my Boxster so I am now on engine #5). In a very, very long time it can ultimately cause a failure. But in that amount of time, something else can fail too so its not the kiss of death. Do not freak out. Many people just live with it. Some people change the oil or use a different weight of oil. Some owners use oil additives to try to unplug the oil passage or otherwise free up whatever is stuck. Once in awhile, it will unstick and go away all by itself. Otherwise, the valve covers need to be removed to clear the blockage or replace the stuck tappet.
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1999 996 C2 - sold - bought back - sold for more
1997 Spec Boxster BSR #254
1979 911 SC
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Last edited by thstone; 05-30-2020 at 09:42 PM.
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