Strange Noise at Startup

[jmc1024]

This noise just recently started. It only occurs upon cold start and only for a fraction of a second just as the engine "hits" and begins to run. If you immediately turn the ignition off and then re-start, you can hear it again. The third attempt and you do not hear the noise.

The noise/sound is as if you have a small wheel on a bearing and spin it really hard with your fingers and the bearings are not smooth/aligned... it will "whirrrrr" for a bit then then go away as the wheel gains stability.

I know it is the sound of a bearing... but from where?

I had the inside cabin hatch off and started the engine and it doesn't sound like any of the pulleys related to the serpentine belt. I just replaced the water pump so I know it's not that.

Kind of sounds like it is coming from further back on/in the engine. Is it the starter...? Something else?

Thoughts?