Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

Over the cold period my 944 developed a bit of a tap.

It is possible it had always been there a little as I could sometimes hear a slight tappy noise when travelling in built up areas with windows down, but I thought it was either injector noise, or maybe the slight mainfold leak it has one on cylinder.

Anyway, just before winter I did an oil service and opted for a slightly thicker oil than what the previous owner was using as it used to burn a bit, so went for Total Quartz 10w50. During the cold weather I didn't use the car as reguarly as I had been, and then when I did start using it again it seemed to have developed a louder tap.

Now, to my ears, this sounds like a sticky/soft lifter, and if I listen with a stick I can hear it more clearly over the cam box at no. 2 cylinder. The noise doesn't seem to get any quieter when warm, and doesn't change with load or revs.

Here is a video:

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That didn't work, does this...?

https://www.flickr.com/gp/25266351@N06/8V9gXU



Assuming it is a noisy lifter, has anyone had any luck with these engine flushes?

I am always a little sceptical, and worried they would do more harm than good, but I know JMG recommend the Forte products, as does a local VAG/Porsche specialist. I had also considered dropping the oil and trying a thinner mineral oil to see if the tap clears, then refill with the thicker Total Quartz again.

Just considering what I can try before stripping down the cambox, as even then, if I do find a soft lifter or two, then from what I hear, the replacements are pretty poor quality anyway, and likely to fail pretty quickly?

Any suggestions or advice would be great

Out of all the products for engines that come in a bottle, Forte top end treatment is the only one I have ever used in 30 years that I can honestly say works. Got to be worth a try.

Have you tried the product on It's own with success?

I was advised to use the flush, the change oil and add top end treatment - but if it works on its own that will save me replacing the fresh oil!