986S ticking sound at idle and when moving

[TBoult]

Hi All

I recently bought a Boxster S (986) and it has developed a ticking noise at idle and when moving. A bit of research points me in the direction of the lifters although I can’t be certain, does anyone have any ideas? I’ve uploaded a video to YouTube (Will be giving it a wash and polish when the weather gets better!)

Cheers

Tom

[Hartman]

Tom,
Can you provide more details on the car? how many miles on the car, when was the last oil change, do you know if the IMSB was changed. Was it cold out? What type of oil are you using. etc.

Clicking or tapping noise can be lifters for sure but it can also be other stuff. Are you able to take off the engine cover under the soft top and listen? Does the sound go away?

[dghii]

Welcome!
Could be lifters...could also be lack of use or lack of appropriate oil change intervals. Could be radar ears with new to you vehicle!

I bought a 996 5 years ago that had a little tick on cold start up. Car was purchase from a friend with tons of maintenance records but was seldom used....(4K miles in 5 years). I started to panic a bit as I didn't notice the noise when I test drove the car. Awful scenarios raced through my head.

As my ownership time lengthened, I realized that the sound was not prevalent unless the car had sat for a week or longer. When I got close to doing my first oil change, I added a little less than a quart (oil was not up to top of dip stick prior to adding) of Marvel Mystery Oil and drove the car for a few hundred miles prior to changing the oil. I saw a marked improvement in the ticking. I was basically gone.

I'm 5 years into ownership and have not repeated the process (annual oil changes with typically 3K miles of annual use . I have, on rare occurrences, heard the ticking but only when have let the car sit for a week or so.

Not touting any miracle cure but drive your car, change your oil...see what happens.