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3.2 Carerra Engine Rumble

nicholasalcock

New member
Looking for some advice and second opinion regarding a low pitch ‘rumble’ coming from the engine of my 1989 3.2 Carerra. 98,000 miles, starts and runs very sweetly, but has a disconcerting noise from the engine when cold and at tick over. Very deep, low rumble noise, not super loud, but can be heard from the engine bay, drivers wheel arch and drivers seat.

Oil and filter change has not helped.

Oil analysis attached and showing a relatively high lead content, so I am obviously worried for the crank, or intermediate shaft bearings, but this is the first analysis that I have done, so no history to compare against.

Coming to terms with the requirement for an engine rebuild, but also concerned that it could be something far less serious. Unable to locate exact source of the noise with a stethoscope. Rumble noise persists with fan belt/alternator disconnected.

Will try to upload a video with audio, but would love to have a sanity check before I start pulling the engine!
 
Hi
What oil pressure do you have,
Should have 3.5-4.0 bar at 4k rpm engine hot.

All shell bearings have lead and copper coatings.
so not sounding good.

Charles.
 
Thanks Charles,

Oil pressure has always been good and never witnessed a drop-out whilst driving.

Agree, not sounding good!

Regards,
Nick
 
Why not take it to your local respected independant for them to give you an ideal of what the potentail issue maybe. They'll have worked on many and have a pretty good ideal what/where the issue lies.
 
Just come across this thread.
I have a 3.2 in my '73T 911, road car, was road and hillclimb car. Engine untouched bar services and around 130K miles old, no oil consumption.
Runs perfectly, oil change every Xmas for the 26 years I've had this engine in the car.

I too have this deep deep rumble when the engine is warming/warm, but can only hear it when staring at the running engine.
A bit like when you have acute indigestion/or hungry rumbles in your gut! Definitely nor big or main bearing clearances in my opinion.
It's been like this for about 5 years, possibly longer, and I worry then ignore it as it runs so well.
Cold tick over is 50psi and the rumble, hot and tickover is about 10 psi. Rumble almost gone.

Hot pressure is 60psi @ 3500rpm, so not to bad at all.
I've rebuilt a 3.2 2 times now (not this engine, another I have in a non-Porsche car) and it is involved but a very DIY prospect if you know basic car mechanics.
I certainly will not be re-building this lovely engine until something far more dramatic happens.

not sure if this helps, but you are not alone.
The above advice to take it to an independent Porsche specialist is a very good call. If you do please report back!
 

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