I noticed on my way over to Tom Simmons's house yesterday for a brake fluid change that I was getting a clicking sound coming from the back of the car, more so at lower rpms than higher (probably drowned out by other sounds then). Tom listened to it and said it sounded like a tappet or lifter coming from the engine. Is this anything to be concerned about or do these things come and go?


BTW, I took photos of the brake fluid change operation and will post an article soon on the subject.

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K-Man S

Ken,

In my experience with the new generation engines, these come and go - sometimes when the car has been sitting awhile, one of the lifters won't fill-up completely with oil right away and will tell you about it. It usually goes away with in a few minutes. My 1999 996 3.4L did this every once in a while. From what I can tell it's nothing to worry about unless it keeps up. If it does, I'd have it looked at -

brad

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K-Man, I agree with Brad. It didn't sound that bad to me, and it didn't get worse (went away?) with higher revs while parked. I'd keep an eye (ear) on it. If it persists or get worse, take it in. Timing is a little tricky here with Porsche Club Race in 2 weeks. If ther is a problem you don't want to run at HPT. Probably best to take it in this week and have them check it out, should all be warranty.

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Ken,

The way it's been explained to me - the lifters sort of 'inflate' with oil that is directly fed to each one - it it persists, there may be some sort of blockage to that particular lifter. My guess is the dealer could fix something like this in a day or two, unless they're buried in service appointments.

brad

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21-year PCA Member
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How many miles do you have Ken? Maybe the engine is telling you it's time for an oil service. This is a very advanced diagnostic 'feature' common to Miatas.

I also noticed a lifter or tappet soundyesterday when I was backing into my garage. I didn't think too much about it because I had the drivers side door open and was backing in very slowly. I never noticed hearing this sound before, but I figured maybeit was just because I had the door open. I will have to listen for it during normal driving and see if I still hear it.


Russ

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K-M-S, sounds like this did not go away after the engine warmed up? Rocker clearqnce needs adj? seems to me like needs a trip in for Porsche check-up.
jm

I'd have it looked at sooner rather than later if it's persisting.

Can you hear it only when the car is moving or also while stationary?


A stuck valve will show up in higher water jacket temps, so pay attention to your temp. gauge, as that would be 'worst case'.


Paul

It makes the sound at idle, not moving, and also under accleration, it almost sounds like a playing card stuck between bicycle wheel spokes with a clothes pin. I cringe at having to take it to my local dealer... but I know I must... [img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/sad_smile.gif[/img]

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K-Man S

Well I dropped my car off at the dealer today, I wasn't going to take it in today but on the way to drop my son off at daycare a CHECK ENGINE LIGHT came on! Ugh. So I figured better safe than sorry so I limped the car over to the dealership and dropped it off. They are supposed to call when they know something. The service manager could definitely hear the ticking sound and i think it has gotten louder.


Hey maybe it is a bad engine (produced too much HP) so now they will swap in another, maybe I can swing a 3.8L or a GT3 motor instead! [img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/tounge_smile.gif[/img]

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K-Man S

Don't like to hear stories like this. Good luck!