Engine tap at start up with oil light.

[john12312]

I was about to post the same question when I searched and saw this. I have 2002 Boxster S w/ 72 K. This happened last year, then some months ago. I stopped the car, Checked for an oil leak, checked the oil level and everything was good. Restarted and the car was fine. Happened again about 2 months later and went away after restart. A few nights ago it happened again but this time happened again within a few hours.

The Air/oil separator was changed about 4 years ago. Anyone have any idea what I need to look for? My next option would be to wait until it happens again and put the car in service mode and put a scanner on the car to see if anything comes up.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by john12312

I was about to post the same question when I searched and saw this. I have 2002 Boxster S w/ 72 K. This happened last year, then some months ago. I stopped the car, Checked for an oil leak, checked the oil level and everything was good. Restarted and the car was fine. Happened again about 2 months later and went away after restart. A few nights ago it happened again but this time happened again within a few hours.

The Air/oil separator was changed about 4 years ago. Anyone have any idea what I need to look for? My next option would be to wait until it happens again and put the car in service mode and put a scanner on the car to see if anything comes up.

Thanks for searching before posting. You could have some clogged Lifters.

[john12312]

Originally Posted by BYprodriver

Thanks for searching before posting. You could have some clogged Lifters.

Thanks. Would you know if there's an oil additive that might alleviate the condition?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by john12312

Thanks. Would you know if there's an oil additive that might alleviate the condition?

If you are using a quality full synthetic oil, with high ZDDP and Moly additive content, nothing else is needed.

[john12312]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

If you are using a quality full synthetic oil, with high ZDDP and Moly additive content, nothing else is needed.

Thanks. I saw that OTC on Amazon for about $67. I'll pick it up as it looks like I can use it on my other cars as well. This is connected to the oil pressure sensor under the hood, correct?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by john12312

Thanks. I saw that OTC on Amazon for about $67. I'll pick it up as it looks like I can use it on my other cars as well. This is connected to the oil pressure sensor under the hood, correct?

Yes, you remove the oil pressure sending unit and connect it there. The OTC unit comes with a complete set of adaptors to fit just about anything, and plan on using the lower pressure gauge.

[john12312]

Took the car out yesterday and got the tapping sound with the Battery light on this time. Shut the car off and restarted and no tapping or battery light. After an hour, i ran it down a nice long straightaway with no cops, the rear spoiler light came on but no tapping. Pulled over but the spoiler was down and light still on. I manually raised the spoiler and one side went up while the other side was stuck and I heard the familiar tapping.The spoiler retracted ok and the light went off after restart. I'm glad the sound wasn't coming from the engine but now I need to troubleshoot the light issue and probably lubricate the spoiler mechanism to see if it corrects the uneven extraction.

does anyone feel the spoiler makes a difference? I thought they were more for front engine mounted cars where the back end was light. I would think with a mid engine vehicle it would not be as useful.