All

I have a 2000 986 Boxster S with 53K miles and it has only been pulled out of the garage in the last two weeks and gone back in just to move cars around. I went to start it today to take it for a spin and the engine immediately started making a clacking noise like a tappet is not right. Anyone have some ideas on what could have gone wrong? No indication of this until today - the engine has been rock solid.

Thanks for any feedback. I am afraid to drive it at this point and just need some ideas on what it could be.

 

The car needs to be flat bedded to a qualified shop and the engine started under the supervision of experienced techs.

If the noise is a sign of something serious they'll know quickly and the risk of more serious engine damage minimized.

if the noise is just a bled down lifter or something else relatively minor they'll know that too.