Startup Squeal When Cold (video)
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Startup Squeal When Cold (video)
Hey guys,
I've got a 2002 Targa with 80k miles on it. Just started making a squealing noise for a second after starting the engine when cold (morning or afternoon). Does not make the same sound when the engine is hot. I took a video with my phone but you can't hear it very well, but then I found the video below on YouTube. My sound is similar but not quite as bad.
Something with the starter motor? It's also been very humid here this week, maybe something with the belts? If it's the starter motor, would that be an easy DIY?
Thanks,
Chris
I've got a 2002 Targa with 80k miles on it. Just started making a squealing noise for a second after starting the engine when cold (morning or afternoon). Does not make the same sound when the engine is hot. I took a video with my phone but you can't hear it very well, but then I found the video below on YouTube. My sound is similar but not quite as bad.
Something with the starter motor? It's also been very humid here this week, maybe something with the belts? If it's the starter motor, would that be an easy DIY?
Thanks,
Chris
#2
Drifting
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Ephrata, PA, USA now. Originally from the UK
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Doesn't sound like a belt as I imagined it to be. Sound more like the starter not returning fast enough after turning the engine. Does sit sound like that if you don't rev immediately after it fires up? Keep your foot of the gas and fire it up.
#4
Race Director
I agree with Hurdigurdiman regarding the sound. Sounds like the starter isn't returning fast enough or the clutch on the starter motor gear is if not going bad is noisy and likely to go bad. Obviously if it is the starter motor pinion gear clutch it shouldn't make any noise and when they do it is not a good sign.
#7
Instructor
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Cleveland, OH
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I get the exact same noise. Happens intermittently, seemingly no pattern for me. I can have a weekend where is does it 2/3 of the time, then not have the sound for 2+ weeks straight.
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#8
Rocky Mountain High
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Mine has done that for years on cold mornings.
#9
I had a very similar sound to this until my mechanic found a loose spark plug and tightened it (actually he just replaced it). The sound was a blast of air coming from the cylinder through the threads. The reason for the sound was located in part due to advice from someone on Rennlist. Check it for yourself and why not - will not take you long to eliminate if this is indeed the problem.
#11
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Startup squeal has gone away for now. Was quite humid here in SoCal last week, read somewhere that the belts can make this noise when it's humid outside. Hopefully that's just it for now...
#12
Captain Obvious
Super User
Super User
Nope, that a classic the starter over run. My VW had it for years, sounds bad and can be embarrising but it won't hurt anything. The bendix (the gear that jumps in and out) needs to be greased up, that's all. Usually does this in colder weather.