The weather is starting to drop below freezing now. My car has also decided to produce this noise. I can't really describe it so I took a video. The noise is really noticeable around 17 seconds. Definitely haven't heard this before. My oil level is fine. Should I bring it to my mechanic next week? I drive my car a lot and would hate to see it blow up if I used it knowing I could've prevented it.
The sound eventually goes away, maybe after 15 minutes of driving. But I can notice it with the acceleration on the car and at Idle. Doesn't sound pleasant to the ear at all, but then again may be normal for the engine due to the cold?
Thanks

Heres the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S29hy7A_HAY

 

Try to pinpoint the noise. Is it coming from the drive belt area (e.g., alternator or belt)? An inexpensive engine stethoscope may help.

 

A 2 ft. piece of rubber or plastic hose in your ear will suffice for pinpointing the noise.

Sounds like it may be a bearing on it's way out, alternator/belt tensioner / A-C compressor etc.

 

I was wondering how to describe my noise!

did you find an answer yet? my 98 Civic EX has started doing it primarily when cold. sometimes the noise switches to a loud whistle. sometimes it is not there at all. I have 86K and ALL belts were done last year about 2k ago at the Honda dealer.

 

"Sounds like it may be a bearing on it's way out, alternator/belt tensioner / A-C compressor etc."

My car is making that sound. Just haven't gotten around to changing out the parts. It's not the belts.