I recently changed the oil in my 2006 Cayman S with fewer than 7300 miles on the clock. I think that shortly after the oil change I began getting this sound (ignore what I say about where the sound comes from - I really couldn't tell):


I don't recall the sound happening before the oil change.

Here's the sequence of events:

- I added 8 quarts of fresh oil (Pennzoil Ultra Euro 5W-40 which is Porsche A40 approved)
- I checked the oil level (it was in the middle of the gague)
- I started the engine
- Received a momentary "oil pressure low" or similarly worded warning on the dash. It went away within seconds. I assume(d) it was simply a momentary slug of air in the oiling system.
- Clicking/ticking sound was evident once the engine was warm

Things I've ruled out:

- Oil pressure relief valve piston replaced - no change
- Spark plugs were replaced - no change
- Filter was replaced - no change
- Oil was changed to 5W-30 - much improved

It seems that the thicker the oil, the worse the problem is; the noise is worse the warmer the engine (and oil?) is. It is also worse running 5W-40 than 5W-30. This makes me think that the problem is related to oil deficiency in some part of the engine. The sound doesn't happen or rarely happens when the engine is cold. Once up to operating temperature (oil is thicker?) the noise is more prevalent.

I've surrendered the car to the local independent Porsche specialists who haven't been able to identify the problem. They say it's 80% gone with 5W-30 and that I should drive the car gently for a while and see if it goes away.

I don't love that advice - any direction is much appreciated.

 

I sure as heck would not drive it like that.- sounds like a lifter hanging. I would try maybe 0-40 mobile oil to see if that cures it , if not you will need to take it to a qualified engine guy. BTW when the oil gets hot it gets runnier not thicker. so that's odd and indicates that using thinner oil would not cure it anyway but its worth a try since the 5-30 worked better.?!

 

It may have to do with the oil. Recommend you try Castrol 5-40 Syntec or a similar Motul on the Porsche approved list.

I and others have noticed with Mobile 1 you get more lifter noise than with the other two oils I mentioned. I believe it has to do with the wax content in the different oils that help absorb the valve train noise. But don't quote me on that. :-)

It probably has nothing to do with the thickness or viscosity of oil and strongly recommend you run 0-40 or 5-40 and NOT 5-30.

 

I would not drive it "for a while" to see if it improved...

why not run Mobil1 0-40, as it came from the factory like that???

hope you find the problem..

 

Another thought have you looked for any metal particles in your old filter?

Generally folks do this by letting the filter drain and cutting off the ends.