I have a 2007 S with 6000 miles on it. It just started to smoke on start up after sitting a few days. Also I noticed a tappet noise during idle. Car runs great and idles smooth. I'm concerned about the symptoms. The tappet noise is new as is the smoke and the noise is not loud but apparent. Any ideas?

 

Strange. I haven't experienced that with my 04. good question for Doc.

 

I experienced that with my 90 targa but not my 02. Was a leak down issue. Never heard of it in a 997

 

Smoke on start up in itself is not a disaster. Do you tend to drive fast into the park space with the engine on overun?
How long does it take for the "tappet noise" to disappear?
There is a small time delay between starting and oil pressure development in the engine.
What level of oil pressure does the guage show on idle and at 3000 rpm when hot?

Sorry to ask the questions but a little more info would help to try and point you in the right direction

The good news is of course the car is still under warranty. That is always a comfort at such worrying times

Best Regards Big Bob

 

Talked to the shop at the dealership about the problems. Forgot to note on line that there's an initial rattle in the engine right after it starts up but disappears right away. The oil pressure indications are normal and comes right up. The light tappet noise doesn't go away. Engine idles smooth and no problems with performance and acceleration. Shop says what everyone else says that the smoke is normal for a Porsche. The combination of all three symptoms on a low mileage engine really spooked me, though.

 

How much smoke? If it's just a puff then that's pretty normal. If it's a big cloud of grey smoke then I've never seen that in my 996.

 

just a little puff at start up is ok, but that tappet noise isn't normal