Help on strange sound from 89 3.2 engine please.

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Oct 30, 2007 | 11:47 AM

#16

Amber Gramps

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From: Alta Loma Alone

I was gonna call you on that

Oct 30, 2007 | 11:58 AM

#17

madmmac

Instructor

Joined: Nov 2005

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From: Washington State

Without hearing the sound, but viewing your description it really sounds like spark knock/rattle. It could be as simple as putting the correct octane gas in the car, wires, a can of Techron or a tuneup.

If it is indeed spark knock, do not try to induce it and get it corrected as soon as possible to lessen possible damage that can occur.

Oct 30, 2007 | 11:59 AM

#18

red89

Racer

Joined: Jan 2006

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Mine's had it since i got it with 29k on it. I had heard this sound from other Porsches and was told it was no big thing. Now I know what to call it. The g50 rattle.

I agree. Very common and nothing to worry about.

Oct 30, 2007 | 12:27 PM

#19

kick7ca

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[QUOTE=KC911;4727906]

Quote:

Originally Posted by initial

Sounds like G50 rattle to me. It's perfectly normal.../QUOTE]

Before I removed the cat on my '88, it had the extra bracket that Porsche added to compensate for the "G50 rattle", but even without the bracket (premuffler), mine is quiet.
Keith
'88 CE coupe

This is interesting about the cat and the bracket you mention, as this car does not have a converter installed.
Frankly I'm surprised to hear that you guys consider 2K-3K rpm lugging. I thought lugging was below 2k rpm. My 92 535i pulls smoothly like a freight train from 2k rpm.
Anyway, perhaps without the cat and extra bracket the noise is more apparent?

Thanks to all who have replied.

Oct 30, 2007 | 01:50 PM

#20

Amber Gramps

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From: Alta Loma Alone

check the octane then search: "G50 rattle"

Oct 30, 2007 | 03:26 PM

#21

KC911

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 918

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From: Greensboro, NC

In the diagram in this link, part #24 is the bracket that I'm referring to. As far as rpms go...although the 3.2s do have "enough" torque to pull fairly strong from say 2K upward, imo they're not nearly as "happy" in the 2-3K range as they are above 3K, and they LOVE 4-6K...try it just a bit, you'll see. Now I'm not talking about "cruising" above 4K, but in general, I keep mine above 3K, and that's certainly not going to put excessive wear on the engine. If you're "cruising" at 2K to save gas...get a Prius