My Honda CRX didn't do this when i first bought it, but ever since i put a new distributor on.. it makes a strange sound right before it successfully starts.

I'll start it up like normal, and it starts 100% of the time.. but every now and then right before it starts.. the ignition.. crankshaft... or something.. makes a squealing/grinding sound for a split second right before the car starts. It doesn't happen every time, but probably 4 our of 10 times it will. I'm not sure what it is. I've tried doing research but can't find anything much. I did hear that it could be the crankshaft spinning faster than some other part... (i forget the name of it). It's like the ignition is turning at the right speed, but something else seems to be moving faster? i'm not sure. Can someone help? I don't want it to lead to major problems. **ALSO... i've had the timing set correctly, so it's not that.**

Thanks.

 

Gut tells me starter.

 

Check the drive belts, as well as the PS, alternator, compressor, and idler pulleys.