slight engine noise at speed

[quinby1]

HI there...just bought '05 boxster 987 with 25K miles as a certified used Porsche. Car runs fine, but I noticed that there seems to be a very slight noise, sounds like a valve tappet, at cruising speed ( about 60+ MPH). there is no loss of power, nor any vibration. Car idles fine with no noise (other than the rather loud exhaust note). I wonder if this is normal exhaust sound? could it be a coil throwing an arch? Altenator noise? Since engine is only inches away from driver I expect I might be overly sensitive. I have no basis for comparison. thanks

[renzop]

I recommend that you not worry about noises. These cars do make some noises. Remember, the serpentine belt is spinning about 12" from your ear, the injectors and valve train are about 2 feet from your ear.

When the car stops running then its ok to worry. Its probably nothing but if you want to put your mind at ease then I suggest that you bring it back to the CPO dealer and ask them to listen to it. They will probably say its normal (which it probably is).

[quinby1]

Thanks..I'm one of those old time shade tree mechanics, so I love "messing around" with the car as much as driving it (which of course is a hoot)....I'm really not worried as car runs fine, just that exhaust note is louder than I'm used to, and you're right about the proximity to engine which just amplifies all the little "clicks" rattles and whines...thanks again

[wvicary]

There was a TBS to address a noise caused by the oil pump relief valve on the early built 987's. Ask a dealer to run your VIN and see if your vehicle has had the update.

[bigcar]

I would be surprised if a cruising noise was the oil pump release valve. I had that problem addressed earlier this year, but it was a very noticeable noise as you moved through 1800 RPM. The fix moved it up to about 3000 RPM and made the noise much less noticeable.

Wvicary - I only got my car early this year; like you I noticed all the little clicking/tapping/whirring noises for a while (even thought about adding sound insulation to the firewall). My suggestion; drive with the hood down as often as possible - the clicks fade away and the great note takes over.

Edited December 11, 2008 by bigcar

[quinby1]

I would be surprised if a cruising noise was the oil pump release valve. I had that problem addressed earlier this year, but it was a very noticeable noise as you moved through 1800 RPM. The fix moved it up to about 3000 RPM and made the noise much less noticeable.

Wvicary - I only got my car early this year; like you I noticed all the little clicking/tapping/whirring noises for a while (even thought about adding sound insulation to the firewall). My suggestion; drive with the hood down as often as possible - the clicks fade away and the great note takes over.

[quinby1]

thanks Bigcar....I did notice that you can't hear it with the top down.....however, it's 36^ here in Virginia this morning, so my shotzie will stay in the garage for a while and the top down weather around here is some months away...quinby1