Strange Noise on start up!
 

Please Help.

My impreza has started to make a strange noise when its started from cold.

Its a MY99 2.0 Turbo - UK Car.

When started from cold, as soon as the engine fires there is a strange noise that lasts for about 1 or 2 seconds.
Not really a squeak or a grinding noise.
(more of a heeeeeeeeeee cross with a chicken choooooo)?????

I do have a recording but cant see how to upload here?

Seems as though it is coming from the turbo/downpipe area.

Any advice appreciated.
Lee

I have something similar started a couple of weeks ago, still havent traced it. Sounds almost like something elictrical shorting crossed with a metallic grind. Lasts a second or two but no more, doesnt affect the way it drives. Will watch the thread with interest!!

Fuel system priming?

The noise starts once the engine has actually fired up.

I have a recording, but cannot see how to add to thread?
There are no attachment options when i reply to thread?

That and what you said before, could possibly indicate a turbo bearing problem. Likewise, you also have a choice of water pump, alternator and the cambelt idlers!:wonder:



JohnD

Sounds very similar to the noise I have too.

Mine though is the started motor solenoid sticking which is on the other side of the engine though. As you say, only for 1 maybe 2 seconds and it's gone.

Thanks for the advice guys.

I will stick my head under again to double check where the noise is coming from, but definitley seems to be coming from turbo area.

Bit suprised as car has only done 70K miles, well looked after with service history, oil changed every 4k and always left to tick over before switching off!

assuming it is turbo, should I be immediatly worried, will it let go soon, will it be throwing any nasty chunks into the engine?

Suppose the only thing I can do is get new turbo or get mine reconditioned !!

Make sure your alternator belt is tight they can make a similar noise on start up,as the battery has drawn power off starting the alternator works harder to put it back.

Got a second hand starter motor from Grade A Subaru (great price and great service)

Changed it yesterday and the noise is gone, thanks for the help guys.

That would be the starter not disengaging cleanly from the flywheel ring gear. My wifes Primera did that for the last 5 or 6 years she had it. She sold it to a work collegue and as far as I know, it still does it!

JohnD

So if it is the starter, would it make the noise every time, mine only seems to make the noise when the engine is cold. If I have driven for a while and warmed it up then no noise, I am wondering if its a belt slipping or something.....bloody annoying

The noise was more noticable when cold. I attempted to remove the starter from the Primera to clean and lube the starter pinion scroll but realised the front end of the exhaust system needed to be dropped, so she lived with the problem for years!
If you take the intercooler off, the starter is quite accessable.

JohnD

I thought this too, only made the nosie when the engine was cold but after a small run there would be no noise when starting.
But it was definatley the starter.

As john sugessted its is quite easy to access the starter with the intercooler off.
Remove the starter and put some WD40 on the shaft to free it up, may prove a point.

I did notice that my old shaft was quite stiff compared to the new one i fitted!

My old car did same and turned out to be starter motor. The noise mainly happening when cold could be to do with metal expanding when hot, or similar and this affects the noise.