start up rattle

[Rich XTR]

My 2000 boxster s has the cold start up rattle that many have reported. It only does it the first start of the day. I think it is a chain tensioner (all three are new) bleeding down or lifters bleeding down. Can an oil pressure release valve cause this noise? The noise is loud and i would really like to fix it. Verio cam tensioners and pads are also new.

[Stroked & Blown]

I had a similar noise after my car sat for a few days. In my case, replacing the filter housing (with it’s integrated valve) solved the problem. About $20 with filter from pelican last I checked.

[jdraupp]

Originally Posted by Stroked & Blown

I had a similar noise after my car sat for a few days. In my case, replacing the filter housing (with it’s integrated valve) solved the problem. About $20 with filter from pelican last I checked.

Interested to hear if this is something others have done. Filter housing as is in the plastic cartridge cover? From what I hear the lifter noise is normal due to the boxer engine design.

[10/10ths]

...it takes a few seconds for the tensioners to pump up with oil.

First Gen Miatas have a lifter tick on cold start up.

Nothing to worry about.

[BoxsterSteve]

Mine does the same thing too. I’m still running the original tensioners, but I’m using an LN spin on adapter. If it sits a couple of days it does the rattle thing.
It almost seems like the early 5 chain engines make the start up rattle more than the later engines.
I cringe when it rattles, so I turn the key until it just fires and the shut it down. I do this three times to prime the tensioners and it doesn’t rattle.

[Rich XTR]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mAuOw7dvYw

Is this the noise that others are hearing and recommend don't worry? Assuming these cars didn't do this new...we can fix them.

[Geof3]

Originally Posted by BoxsterSteve

Mine does the same thing too. I’m still running the original tensioners, but I’m using an LN spin on adapter. If it sits a couple of days it does the rattle thing.
It almost seems like the early 5 chain engines make the start up rattle more than the later engines.
I cringe when it rattles, so I turn the key until it just fires and the shut it down. I do this three times to prime the tensioners and it doesn’t rattle.

That’s seems more harsh than simply letting it do its thing. Mine “rattles” for about 1-2 seconds if that. Lots of chains to be moving around all at once. Not a worry.

[dsallean]

Originally Posted by Rich XTR

My 2000 boxster s has the cold start up rattle that many have reported. It only does it the first start of the day. I think it is a chain tensioner (all three are new) bleeding down or lifters bleeding down. Can an oil pressure release valve cause this noise? The noise is loud and i would really like to fix it. Verio cam tensioners and pads are also new.

I would like to find a solution to this as well. I have replaced all three chain tensioners and the vario cam tensioners and pads (for other reasons). I have a new oil pressure release valve to install. If anything I think the startup rattle is worse after replacing the tensioners. I also installed a spin on oil filter adapter.

Dave in TX
2001S