Starting From Cold

[LilleyT]

Hi All,

Only had my Boxster (2.7 / 2001) a short while and I have noticed that on occasion (but not always) when I start it from cold I get a very brief (split second) engine rattle. I am presuming this is simply due to the oil not being fully distributed around the engine. The noise soon goes to leave a nice engine purr. When starting from warm / hot engine, no noise encountered.

Secondly, the Drivers Manual says the car should be driven immediately after starting, why is this ? I previously owned a MR2 Roadster and it's manual said it was prudent to leave the car 10 seconds or so before pulling away?

Any comments would be appreciated.

:drive:

[steve_wilwerding]

The noise is completely normal. I think it is caused by the hydraulic valve tappets before they are filled with oil.

There's no reason you can't drive a Boxster immediately after starting. It's actually better for a car to be driven gently (shift before 3,000 rpm until the engine reaches temp) than to sit at idle.

[LilleyT]

Steve,

Thanks. Early days with a different car are always strange, different noises & feelings. It is sometimes difficult to tell exactly what is a characteristic of the car and what is a fault.

I thought it was wise to take it easy until reaching temp and have indeed been doing so, unfortunately I live only five miles from work and the car never actually manages to obtain full temperature before I arrive! as a result I bet it's going to cost me a small fortune in mpg ... worth every penny (cent!) though, great car!

I have also found the clutch a little 'shuddery' (made up word) when cold, mainly when pulling away or quickly depressing the clutch fully in first, but against once warmed up it seems to 'dissapear'!

[Highlander]

:welcome: First off, welcome to the Boxster community. Great cars, great people.

As Steve said, the brief rattle is normal. Another thing that is normal but can be very concerning if you don't know to expect it is an occasional puff of smoke on startup.

With modern cars, it's best to drive off as soon as the car is started. Again, good advice from Steve, drive gently and try not to exceed 3-4k rpm until the engine is fully up to temperature... unless it's a leased car in which case you can just drive the heck out of it immediately......j/k :jump:

Graeme