IMS or RMS Leak '03 Boxster with 235k miles

[Stl-986]

sounds like cam tensioner pad/chain. A loose spark plug isn't going to cause any noise, just misfire/rough running.

Give it time to warm up also and check your oil level.

[marshcat]

Originally Posted by Stl-986

sounds like cam tensioner pad/chain. A loose spark plug isn't going to cause any noise, just misfire/rough running.

Give it time to warm up also and check your oil level.

Yep, oil level was a little bit low! I topped off the oil and took the car for an extended drive and it sounds a lot better now. Still a slight clicking but basically the same as it has for the four years I've owned it. The engine feels smooth at idle and revs hard up to redline.

In other good news no more oil dripping from the IMS/RMS!

[blue62]

Yes a loose spark plug will make a noise.
Every time the piston comes up on the compression stroke it forces air past the spark plug threads. that is when you can hear it.
Sounds like an exhaust leak at the manifold sometimes like a click.
Does not always cause misfires.
Best thing to do is check all your plugs with a torque wrench
Easy Peasy.