cold start squeal

[jhandy]

Hello,
52,000 miles on a boxster S. I changed the belt with a OEM belt at 50,000.
This just started.....
On cold startup, there is a loud squeal (like a belt slipping). It only lasts a second, and then does not come back until The car is restarted after sitting for hours.
Everything else is good, no other issues.
I looked in past messages, and found that someone noted that the starter pulley may be going out. They said that the pulley may be slow in unlocking causing the belt to rub and squeal.

Any ideas?

James

[vath2001]

The bendix on the starter might not be dis-engaging quick enough. Do the dash lights dim when it starts? When my starter was going bad, it "shreaked" at start up and acted like the battery was dead. I just replaced the starter. Look at the DIY posts... I documented my repair.

[Stiletto Pat]

I have an '03 S with 51,300 miles which just started exhibiting a slight high pitched whine at cold start, but it only lasts for a second or two, then goes away. No other symptoms or strange noises. It does not produce this sound when started warm - even after many hours of sitting.

Searching the forum posts, I've seen where prior posts (from a few years ago) seem to indicate either a dirty starter that doesn't retract properly and quickly, or too tight belt/pulley issues. I still have the original main belt on the car, and will change at my 60,000 mile service.

So, I'm hoping others out there have knowledge on this topic. I haven't taken it to the dealer, but I suppose I could just for a diagnosis. I would like to know before having my Indy put the car up for a 3 hour PM fix, if it's the starter. If anyone has any knowledge, I'd love to hear about it.

Thanks much,

Pat

[DenverSteve]

A big difference beween starter motor squeal and loose belt squeal. Since you had the belt replaced two-thousand miles ago, it may need to be adjusted. As Pat stated, you could take it by your dealer for a diagnosis except, of course, it won't do it if it's hot. I'm not a tech. guy but maybe a sound clip for an expert to here may help you.

[ddb]

Pat,

No experience first hand, but I've read the AOS will make a squealing noise when starting to fail.

Let us know what you find.

Best of luck,

ddb

[Stiletto Pat]

Thanks for the responses. Much appreciated!

I drove the car last night (like I said, not a daily driver) after setting since Sunday, and absolutely no squeal at start up. It is in the middle of a garage, so I'm sure I would hear it. Anyway, it drove fine - no issues whatsoever.

I'll be driving it again tomorrow, so I'll be listening again. But, the idea of recording the sound is a good one, and I'll keep it in mind.

Thanks for everyone's read and continued support. This is a great forum - a daily read is a must.

Pat