Engine whine, is it normal?
 

Hi everyone. Apologies but it's another 'new toy syndrome' post.

I bought a 2003 Boxster S recently and after some nice weather and driving around with the top down, good old English weather returned to normal and when driving with the roof and windows up, there was a very noticeable whine coming from the engine compartment. Obviously the first thing I did was take to the various forums, sites and videos but nothing describing exactly what's going on with mine, so some help would be much appreciated.

The IMS bearing failed before I bought it and the entire engine was replaced about 8k miles ago. It has been de-snorkled, something which I'm considering reversing.

I think the whine is louder than the well known 'Porsche whine' that I've read about. It is most noticeable in 1st and 2nd gear and going at speeds less than 40mph.

I've posted a video on youtube so you can hear for yourself Jet87 engine whine - YouTube

Thank you all in advance!

Sorry for the bump, I had some trouble starting this thread. Any help much appreciated!

Step one is remove your serp belt. If whine is gone, it's water pump or power steering pump or something driven by the belt. Shoot some belt dressing on the belt while installed & running. If sound goes away, change belt brands. Sounds like the power steering pump on my Ford.

Is your wife with you when this happens?

Thanks for that Timco I had a suspicion it might have been the belt of one of the accessories it drives.

Peter - I've had very similar responses to your reply! Already tried it :p

The engine sounds much like my 3.2L. However I do hear a faint whine when it falls back to idle that sounds a lot like the power steering pump. If you remove the engine cover the power steering fluid reservoir is right not the top center of the engine all the way on the front toward the cockpit. Check to make sure it has the proper fluid level.

Sorry to bring up an old thread but I'm still having problems with this.

I removed the serp belt to see if the whine went away and it didn't so still clueless as to what it could be. Is there any possibility it could be the crank pulley?

Thanks again for your help guys.

My Boxster sounds very much like yours. To the best of my hearing, its the standard Porsche driveline whine.

If you really want to try and isolate it, pull off the front engine cover behind the seats and get an automotive stethoscope and have someone else rev the engine up and down while you search for the source of the sound.

^^^ as above ^^^
Sounds exactly the same as mine too.....

Sounds very similar to mine... I like the aluminum air vents, was that standard in the 03 and 04 cars?

Thanks guys that's put my mind at ease.

BigJake, no it was an optional extra. I was lucky to pick up a model with lots of them!

Are you sure you aren't hearing the fuel pump whine? Mine has a noticeable high pitched whine.

If you can hear your fuel pump running over the engine noise, you have better hearing than most.....