Bound to finally happen....

Well. I guess my luck has run out, somewhat. I've owned my 2008 Cayman (987.1 base, 5 speed) for the past 17 1/2 problem free years. The only thing I do personnally is keep it clean and shiny along with changing batteries and air filters. All I've ever had to have done is regular annual maintanence, a couple flat tires fixes/replacements and a headliner, all of which has been done faithfully. Car now has 70,300 miles on her. Yesterday, my first ever Check Engine light came on at a stop light and the idle seemed a little wonky. Drove home and before I got there a strange chirping noise added itself to the fun (literally sounded like a bird was trapped in my engine somewhere). Stopped at my local Porsche mechanic shop who will fit me in early next week. I know, complaining after not having problems for so long is somewhat silly, but because problems have been relatively non existant, the concern I have is probably over done. Any advice for me before the trip to the shop on Monday? Thanks in advance.

Unless you have a scanner, you can't tell much. Check gas cap , oil cap . Go to Auto Zone and have them scan it, then you will have some idea of what's going on. Hopefully something simply

@Budman - Sorry to hear this. Key thing would be: 1) Scanner, scanner, scanner 2) Get a tow if you're hearing birdie noises, as that sounds like something scraping. I wouldn't take a chance with any metal scraping, and hopefully your towing policy will have it covered. Cheering you on here.

Given your statement? My opinion is the best advice is to wait till it gets diagnosed fully before you begin having anxiety about what it is. If you believe the noise is ominous, consider having it towed to the repair shop. Otherwise, make sure it has the correct levels of oil and coolant before you head out.

As others said, you have to read the actual codes. Everything else is speculation. That said, to speculate, I would guess the engine belt and/or tensioner and/or water pump. These are commonly missed, and can make such noises. Nothing major, but water pumps are usually needed at about 80k. Even then, I wouldn't worry... sounds like you got some great life out of it... and I don't think that's over yet. Nothing sounds catastrophic at first glance, IMO.

Water pump was replaced many moons ago and a new drive belt was installed just last May. Although I don't think they replaced any tensioners. However, as we all know, that doesn't eliminate them from the possibilities. I can worry with the best of them and hopefully Monday will give me a diagnosis and fix that won't require me to sell one of these old kidneys . Thanks.

Why don’t you pop the rear aluminum plate off while you are waiting? Have a look around in there, leave it off. That way if they wanna look in there it’s already off.

A few years ago that's probably exactly what I would do. But here in Florida, in an un air conditioned garage, still 90 degrees out and my advaced age of 82, doing so is against my better judgement. In fact with all the blood thinners I'm on, my hands look like they've been run over by a truck because of the terrible bruising I get, sometimes just walking through a doorway. Getting old sucks.

Sorry Budman, I guess I never knew how old some of us on here are. Even though I’m only 67, that bad accident when I was 23 is still with me. I would’ve never suggested you do that had I known all those things. I put suspension pieces into my daily driver this summer in 90° heat. My glasses were so steamed up had to keep wiping them to even see what I was doing. It also hurt both of my shoulders, but because I’m an idiot the smile my wallet gave me made the pain feel less. It also freed up the $3000 that I put in my mouth this year. Anyhow, keep us all posted, that’s not a lot of miles, hopefully you’ll be back in the driver seat soon.

I get along pretty good yet and still won't let anyone clean/polish/wax my car yet. I spend about 2 hours on a regular wash and interior clean then have to take a 2 hour nap, LOL. Hanging in there and ready for the next 10 years, as long as I recognize my limits.

17.5 years is a great run there @Budman ! Keeping my fingers crossed here in Florida with you that it isn't too major of an issue.

Budman I am just 54 but I hope I will be waxing and cleaning my 981 in my 80s just like you. Good luck with the repair and hope it’s nothing to bad.

If it is smoking at all, it could be your air/oil separator - about a $400 fix... Doubtful it is any serious engine malfunction.

That's one of the first things I looked for. No smoke at all. In fact, in the very long time I've owned this car it only ever smoked at startup once or twice. And in each of those couple instances I had been starting and stopping as I was shuffling things around in my garage. I'll update this thread for sure as soon as Monday or Tuesday. Fingers crossed for something relatively minor.

If it makes you feel any better, my ‘07 base 5spd is still going strong at 250k. I sold it to a young friend without guilt at 225k. Original clutch still. I did all the maintenance and it was all routine. The engine has never been opened beyond a water pump and air/oil separator. You have to know what CEL is lit and go from there. That car is BY FAR the best, most dependable car I have ever had (I’m 67). I pray my ‘15 2.7 base PDK does the same (that PDK scares me tho bec it would be way out of my hands 🤞)

Had similar issue and it turned out to be the AOS .

I'm starting to suspect the same. While waiting for my Monday appointment, I started the car yesterday just because. Wasn't going anywhere, just curious. Managed to fill up my garage with smoke for about 2-3 minutes before it stopped. No weird noises but happy the neighbors didn't call the fire department. Expecting the same Monday morning when time to drive the 4 or so miles to my mechanic.

Based on your description of the idle issue and high pitch sound, I would agree with the others that it may be the air/ oil separator. My 2008 cayman base experienced similar issues a couple months ago. I changed out the aos and end of problems. Hope you get it sorted soon.

Well, just got a call and my car is ready. As I think everyone here agreed on the likely suspect, it was apparently the AOS that decided it was time to retire. I'm not totally sure why my doubts came. I guess because I believed it would have smoked more frequently than it did. It only smoked one time, and it was excessive, after the check engine light came on and I started it in my garage briefly. For some reason I was under the impression I'd get more warning. I didn't. Regardless, I sure do appreciate the shared concern and advise. I can't begin to describe how much I've learned from this site over the past 17 1/2 years. It's been not only interesting but invaluable in adding to my enjoyment of owning my one and only Porsche. Hopefully it continues for another 10 years. Cheers!

If you don't mind sharing, how much was the AOS repair?

I'll let you know tomorrow. It's not cheap or even reasonable for that matter. I live in Naples, Florida so based on my address and all the money that resides here (none of it mine by the way), pricing for everything is about 20-25% higher than typically found. It wasn't always that way. I'm picking up the car tomorrow morning. Typically my service folks here charge about 60-70% of what the Porsche dealership would charge. I envy those who can do their own, most common repairs.

AOS on my '07 987 just crapped out big time this past weekend. Spewing Gigantasaurus rex sized plumes of white smoke (poor drivers behind me). Had to abandon my car in an unfamiliar neighborhood overnight and had it towed the next day. It's been a very expensive two years with various parts expiring unannounced....

OK...for those curious minds that would like to know.....my bill was $254 for parts and shop supplies, plus labor of $734 for a total of $988 pus Florida sales tax. As I mentioned, not cheap but compared to dealer pricing, a reasonably good deal. Car runs like new.

Well, not as much as I was expecting. I think you did OK. I had a brake fluid flush done yesterday. Porsche Jacksonville wanted a bit over $500 - found a local indy who did it for $150. Other than a repair that requires re-programing / PIWIS or warranty work, I can't see any reason to go to a dealer for service. The pricing is absolutely absurd.

So that’s like 2 billable hours at Porsche rates. It is difficult to get to and change; at least to change to a CUP AOS