[Half Croc'd]

I have a 2017 718 Cayman that has a habit of intermittent valve tapping - mostly when not run for a while (like overnight). My dealer will look at it, but hints to this being normal with Porsches in general. My 2009 Cayman had a similar symptom, but it seems more noticeable on the 718, maybe due to the smaller motor?


Anyway, what bugs me is the inconsistency. Why SOMETIMES when it's cold, but sometimes not. SOMETIMES when it sits overnight but not always. I can't trace it to anything, but even if it's normal, it's a little embarrassing - I mean it's a Porsche for crying out loud!


Is this in deed normal? Is there anything that can or should be done about it? Is my dealer blowing smoke up my skirt? Responses appreciated!

 

[jthailer]

As a previous 986 owner and current 718 owner I can tell you that the noise is perfectly normal. Porsche likes to use the thinner oil as it lubricates more easily at start up and especially during cold weather. My suggestion is if you keep your car in the garage, try a thicker weight oil on your next oil change and see if it makes a difference. Just make sure it is in the approved oils list.

I hope this does not start a whole discussion about oils as everyone has a different and strong opinion about oil. The above is just my opinion.

 

[Sonny]

I can't say if is normal but I experienced the same issue on my 2012 Boxster and on my 718.

 

[Gallatin]

I called my dealer about the same issue. They assure me that this is normal and nothing to worry about.

 

[jt4006]

It might also be the injectors. Apparently they operate at very high pressures and voltages. I recall reading in either excellence, Panorama or Christophorus that the dominant mechanical noise generated by the 718 power unit is injector noise.

 

[SoCalS5]

It might also be the injectors. Apparently they operate at very high pressures and voltages. I recall reading in either excellence, Panorama or Christophorus that the dominant mechanical noise generated by the 718 power unit is injector noise.

Agree that it might be the injectors. Direct cylinder injectors are louder, and sound similar to diesel injectors, or valves tapping .
This YouTube video shows gasoline direct injectors being bench tested. Towards the end of the video, you can hear how they sound at idle......

 

[Half Croc'd]

Thanks for the responses. I just got the car back today and one of the items to check was this tapping that only happens with a cold engine (and not all the time). My service manager says this is normal with many Porsches and especially the flat variants. I'm not a mechanic by any means but it's apparently the lack of oil on the valves and lifters - when the oil warms and is distributed, the sound goes away.

Case closed.