My 1993 LX is having a bit of a grinding noise the first 10 seconds or so after I start her up then it goes away. It only does this when the engine is cold too like after sitting over night. I topped off the oil and manual tranny fluid but still does it. The car drives fine and no gears make any noise or grind or anything once I start driving. Any thoughts?

 

starter? sometimes key wants to stick forward and make the starter grind

 

No, from my description it could sound like starter but I dont think thats it. I know what a starter problem would sound like and this is different. Thanks though. Anyone else?

 

Could it be a tranny issue? Would a tranny problem only make noise for the first few seconds after start-up?

 

Have a friend start it while you listen under the hood and see if you can pinpoint rather its coming from the motor or tranny

 

Yea, I know. Thats what i need to do. Now if I can only make a friend...

 

So I got a chance to listen to it this morning and it sounds like its coming from the side of the engine where the belts are. Its not a squeak though but more like a grinding. Any thoughts?

 

bad bearing maybe...? Pull the belts off and see if it still has that sound, if it stops, add them back one at a time until you find whats causing it.... other than that, it could be something internal, in which case, ill leave that to someone else

 

Ive never taken the belts off before. Does anyone know of a DIY on here that might help? Thanks!

 

maybe water pump, they can make some narly sounds.

 

It sounds like your starter hitting your flywheel. Shouldn't be any engine or transmission problem. Although someone above mentioned water pump. I don't think that will be the cause because the water pump will be constantly spinning with the timing belt, so if the bearing is toasted you will continuously hear it as your engine revs.