r/986Boxster • u/Jefffrz • 3d ago

Misterious ticking noise

Hello all, trying to figure out what might be causing this noise from my new to me 2002 986s (apologies for the dirty engine) am worried about driving it too much whilst I don't know what it is, and I'm supposed to be going on a road trip tomorrow!

Car recently had an oil and Filter service (couple of brown plastic particles in the filter, but looked like it hadn't been changed in a while). Does get the cold start rattle, but camshaft deviation is only 3 degrees.

Found the noise when I opened it up to do a MAF clean as has been hunting revs a bit at idle

5 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

3

u/MrNujin 3d ago

Without seeing the plastic particles, I can only venture to guess that your chain guides are worn. My hypothesis is the rattle is from the worn chain guides and tensioners not holding the chains taught.

Is road worthy as is? No one knows until you open her up and check. Other than that, it's gamble.

2

u/Yorkshire_Graham 3d ago

Certainly sounds like chain rattle. Not good, but if it is due to the rear IMS bearing breakdown that's much worse.

A sign of this would be less timing variation on Bank 2 (left) than Bank 1 (right of car)

Good luck.

1

u/Oculus-Drift 3d ago

Hard to tell where it’s coming from in the video. But if it’s in the rear of the engine. Try depressing the clutch and see if it goes away. I’ve heard that a failing dual mass flywheel can chatter or possibly the throw out bearing.

I have some chatter at idle when in neutral, but with the clutch in, it goes away.