constant valve lifter noise ok?

turambar · 05-27-2005, 03:24 PM

Hi all, I'm a long time lurker with a high mileage (85K) '99 996 that has recently developed a pretty noticeable engine tick that actually seems to get a little louder when the engine gets warm, and it doesn't go away. The car runs fine and pulls great. My trusted independent mechanic says no worries, it's just lifter noise which isn't a problem. Just want to get your opinions, should I believe him or am I in for a new engine soon? thnx in advance.

1999Porsche911 · 05-27-2005, 03:51 PM

Are you sure it is lifters and not a noisey EGR valve? That valve will click continuiously sometimes. It is the valve directly above the alternator.

turambar · 05-27-2005, 03:59 PM

it is the EGR, should I be worried? the ticking is constant, not rapid at idle but gets more rapid up and down with acceleration and deceleration. Thanks

1999Porsche911 · 05-27-2005, 04:21 PM

That is normal opertation for the EGR valve. Not to worry. So much for trusting your mechanic. Glad he didn't suggest tearing apart the engine to install new lifters....only to have the noise continue after he was done.

turambar · 05-27-2005, 04:28 PM

Now I can spend my dough on more mods

RexracerX · 05-27-2005, 07:59 PM

Nice work 1999Porsche911. I know a lot about my MY 99 but you've got answers to stuff that would have left me scratchin' my head.

Carrera Mike · 05-30-2005, 11:03 AM

Porsche tech says it could be a debri in the hydraulic lifters that partialy blocking full flow of the hyd fluid to properly lift the valves.

Jeffrey HO · 05-30-2005, 01:24 PM

and changed the oil hoping it would help, which it didn't. If it is the valve lifters, I wonder if a higher oil viscosity might work.

Marv · 05-31-2005, 08:38 AM

I know on the 993 that this is not uncommon and due to a partially collapsed lifter. If it is a lifter and it is always noisy, then replacement is the only fix. Everything else is just a band-aid that falls off.

Does anyone else know if the 996 has had a history of failing lifters?

Marv

turambar · 05-31-2005, 02:34 PM

Is this a serious issue? Do you guys think I need to take care of it asap, or can I wait a bit?

thanks

1999Porsche911 · 05-31-2005, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turambar

Is this a serious issue? Do you guys think I need to take care of it asap, or can I wait a bit?

thanks

I thought you said that you confirmed the noise was the EGR valve and not the lifters. You should not have noisey lifters at 85,000 miles.

leedav · 05-31-2005, 05:13 PM

Is the EGR system located where you can get at it with the engine running? If it is, you can use a long socket extension as a stethoscope. Compare the noise there to the noise at the valve cover (or use a real stethoscope). You should be able to localize the noise.

1999Porsche911 · 05-31-2005, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leedav

Is the EGR system located where you can get at it with the engine running? If it is, you can use a long socket extension as a stethoscope. Compare the noise there to the noise at the valve cover (or use a real stethoscope). You should be able to localize the noise.

Just open the trunk and unplug the valve. It takes less time than checking your oil level.

turambar · 05-31-2005, 07:15 PM

1999porsche911, would you be able to tell me where the connector is located at in the bay? Thanks again for all your assistance.

1999Porsche911 · 05-31-2005, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turambar

1999porsche911, would you be able to tell me where the connector is located at in the bay? Thanks again for all your assistance.

I am in Florida right now so I do not have a picture, but the valve is directly above the alternator and is connected to the throttlebody with a hose. The other end connects to a hose going along the leftside of the engine toward the front. There is only one electrical connection to this valve. Simply press the wire clip on the connector and remove. You will get a CEL because the valve is disconnected, but it will reset in a few days after you reconnect it.

When you hear the ticking sound from your engine, stop, open the trunk, disconnect the valve connector (with engine running). If the ticking stops, you have found the noise maker.

05-27-2005, 03:24 PM	#1
turambar User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 15	constant valve lifter noise ok? Hi all, I'm a long time lurker with a high mileage (85K) '99 996 that has recently developed a pretty noticeable engine tick that actually seems to get a little louder when the engine gets warm, and it doesn't go away. The car runs fine and pulls great. My trusted independent mechanic says no worries, it's just lifter noise which isn't a problem. Just want to get your opinions, should I believe him or am I in for a new engine soon? thnx in advance.

05-27-2005, 03:59 PM	#3
turambar User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 15	not sure, anyway I would be able to tell if it is myself? and if it is the EGR, should I be worried? the ticking is constant, not rapid at idle but gets more rapid up and down with acceleration and deceleration. Thanks

05-27-2005, 04:28 PM	#5
turambar User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 15	Whew, thanks. Now I can spend my dough on more mods

05-30-2005, 11:03 AM	#7
Carrera Mike Addict Lifetime Rennlist Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Virginia Posts: 3,537	Porsche tech says it could be a debri in the hydraulic lifters that partialy blocking full flow of the hyd fluid to properly lift the valves. __________________ Carrera Mike Carrera Albums PCA First Settlers Region

05-30-2005, 01:24 PM	#8
Jeffrey HO User Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 10	I read the same thing, and changed the oil hoping it would help, which it didn't. If it is the valve lifters, I wonder if a higher oil viscosity might work.

05-27-2005, 03:51 PM	#2
1999Porsche911 Super User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 4,159	Are you sure it is lifters and not a noisey EGR valve? That valve will click continuiously sometimes. It is the valve directly above the alternator.

05-27-2005, 04:21 PM	#4
1999Porsche911 Super User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 4,159	That is normal opertation for the EGR valve. Not to worry. So much for trusting your mechanic. Glad he didn't suggest tearing apart the engine to install new lifters....only to have the noise continue after he was done.

05-27-2005, 07:59 PM	#6
RexracerX User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sacramento, Ca Posts: 137	Nice work 1999Porsche911. I know a lot about my MY 99 but you've got answers to stuff that would have left me scratchin' my head.

05-31-2005, 08:38 AM	#9
Marv Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Florida Space Coast Posts: 1,525	I know on the 993 that this is not uncommon and due to a partially collapsed lifter. If it is a lifter and it is always noisy, then replacement is the only fix. Everything else is just a band-aid that falls off. Does anyone else know if the 996 has had a history of failing lifters? Marv

05-31-2005, 02:34 PM	#10
turambar User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 15	Is this a serious issue? Do you guys think I need to take care of it asap, or can I wait a bit? thanks

05-31-2005, 05:13 PM	#12
leedav Addict Rennlist Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,253	Is the EGR system located where you can get at it with the engine running? If it is, you can use a long socket extension as a stethoscope. Compare the noise there to the noise at the valve cover (or use a real stethoscope). You should be able to localize the noise. __________________ Lee 2004 996 AS/BK "Paulina" USM030, Xe, ShShft, Bose, Clr Sd Mrks/Brk Lght, V1, Alum Gge Fcs, 6mm/15mm whl spcrs, SpoilerSwtch, GHL Mflrs, CF shft/brk, Htd Lthr Sts w/Crst, Dual Tips, Thk Str Whl, Slvr Whl/Hd Crsts __________________________________________ Other rides: '02 325i, '05 Yukon XL Prev Rides: '98 M3, '91 Miata, '69 Fiat 850 Prev Track Cars: Spec RX7, SRF

05-31-2005, 07:15 PM	#14
turambar User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 15	1999porsche911, would you be able to tell me where the connector is located at in the bay? Thanks again for all your assistance.