an02boxster

For the first few seconds of startup I have a timing chain slap. Is this a known problem? The engine has 106.000 miles.

What parts would have to be replaced? The engine is very good sounding after this VERY short (2-5 sec) noise at cold startup.

Or should I not worry about it. On the other hand, could it be trade in time?

Thanks

99firehawk

how do you know its the timing chain slapiing

an02boxster

Brad, do you have other ideas? It sounds like that.

99firehawk

i really would have to hear it
fwiw i have never seen an m96 motor with chain noise
could it bea noisey lifter?

an02boxster

I suppose, I'l try to record it.
Thanks

jlb532

I've had the same noise for quite awhile, and took it all over for diagnosis. Some have suggested starter motor going, others have gone with the timing chain slap. Finally resolved to live with it, unless it gets worse. I'd be interested if you learn anything additional.

99firehawk

len if your ever in the miaami area id be hapy to listen to your noise

Tippy

for free?!

99firehawk

im always willing to listen to a noise or check faults free of charge, anything more then 5 minutes and im gonan have to charge, i need to eat too you know

ebaker

My old Mercedes had timing chain rattle on cold startup. It was caused by a tiny corrosion pit in the chain tensioner check valve ball.

Dale Tillman

I asked my wrench about my noise on startup...its quite a racket for - like you said - about 5 secs, and only when the car is cold. He said the 996's are known to have a problem with the oil draining out (can't remember exactly but I would guess from the valve train?). He put STP oil treatment in and it did seem to quiet down for awhile. Anybody else heard this explanation?

an02boxster

I swear this started when I last changed the oil. I put 0-30 Mobil 1 in it. When I first bought the car 1.5 years ago it started a similar noise when it was low I added a quart of 15-50 and I never had a noise till the change about three months ago.

I think I'll drain some out and put a quart of the 15-50 in again. Will report back.

Tippy

nice, cant beat that

Macster

in your Porsche?

That's too light an oil. Be thankful the engine's only making a bit of noise upon startup and not puking its guts all over the garage. Porsche used to advise that fuel mileage oils (10w-30, 5w-30, and such) were not up to rigors of properly lubing a high-performance engine.

A good oil would be 0w-40 (recently Porsche started using a 5w-40 oil but not sure its available anywhere but at dealer's parts counter) and in Fl. where temperatures are mild throughout the year I'd be inclined to run 15w-50 year 'round, although many who live/drive in hotter climes report using 0w-40 gives no indication of oiling troubles.

And keep the oil level full.

Sincerely,

Macster.

rleeq

I hope it’s not an intermediate shaft failure. Do a search on intermediate shaft on this site and renntech.org. Some post list loud noise at startup prior to complete shaft failure.