Is there such a thing as a cheap Porsche?

[ksjohn]

I got a little scare the other morning when I started the Boxster to take a drive. I started it, the engine made the typical timing chain rattle for maybe 2 seconds.....

But when I got out of the car and listened to the engine, there was this ugly rattling sound coming from under the car. I knelt down and it seemed to be coming from the engine which was unnerving. I had not heard this before but I had only driven it a total of 4 times for about 85 miles including the purchase test drive.

Needless to say I was very concerned with the noise. I have not changed the oil yet and I know it has been in the car for 2 years. Changing the oil is the first thing on my list, but with the holidays, the car has just been sitting.

So today I jacked it up, started it and crawled under to listen. No rattling noise and the engine, it sounded fine. I did find a heat shield for one of the cats was rusted away and probably the source of the rattle.

I did listen to the IMS area with a stethoscope and is sounded OK, what I would expect to hear from a bearing. The OEM oil filter housing is leaking, there is some oil in the IMS area and both valve covers look wet toward the front of the engine.

I have received the spin on filter adapter that I ordered and plan to change the oil next weekend, drop the pan and inspect, and check the old OEM filter for anything.

I made a video of the underside of the engine with it running, but don't know how to upload it.