96 Engine Whine - Is this normal on recently rebuilt engine?

[angrybob]

Hi all,

I have a weird whine in my 03 996 which makes it sound like a sewing machine. Unfortunately I have only had the car a few weeks.

I have done many searches and heard similar sounds with no conclusive solution. Some says its normal, a couple of others have identified thrust bearing or pilot bearing.

Key points:

- The whine varies with revs

- Occurs when stationary, does not matter if moving or not

- Depressing the clutch makes no difference

- Also occurs with the serpentine belt removed, so not alternator/pulleys (I wish it was that easy!)

- It is not the SAI pump, that makes a different whine (and I have that one, but not bothered!)

This is also a Hartech rebuilt engine around 10k miles ago, also had the clutch done at the same time.

Find the sound with the belt on below (listen to revving):

Find the sound with the belt off (skip the pulley checking part), you will see they sound the same:

Anyone had a similar problem and solved it? Or is it normal and I should not worry about it, because apart from that the engine sounds sweet.

Thanks

[Kimple]

Hi,

Mine sounds exactly like that. It's 1998 996 with 40k miles on it, and to my knowledge in perfect condition. Also my previous Porsche, a 2001 Boxster S with 60k miles sounded just like that.

I think this whine is distinctive to these engines and completely normal. How does everyone else's engine sound like?

Br,

Kimmo

Edited May 22, 2013 by Kimple

[angrybob]

Hi,

Its beginning to look like this is 'normal'. I got a look at a 996 at the weekend (hard to turn up to a garage in a 996 looking at 996!) and replies on another forum all suggest its normal. I'm going to look at a few more hopefully.

I can't believe Porsche would sell a car sounding like a sewing machine from new!

Some seem to have the sound on youtube, others not, but I guess this depends on how well the sound is recorded.

Once I know more i will update thread.

[logray]

I like to call it the sewing machine noise.