98 Honda CRV cold ignition problem.

[cl1]

98 CRV noise immediately after starter fires engine on cold 10F
Just bought a 98 CRV with 178,000 kms. Last week when the temperature got very cold – way below freezing at 10F or –12C, I noticed a very loud screechy noise instantly after the starter fires up the engine (or almost at the same time) and disappears after 1 or 2 seconds, only to return after the engine has been idle in the cold temp for more than 5 hrs. If I turn the engine off immediately and restart the same thing happens with the cold engine. The noise is identical in every way to the noise that you get when you some times mistakenly crank the ignition key while the engine is already idling (at park). This happens only when temp dips to 10 F or below but does not happen when the engine has been running for a few minutes. Any idea if this is starter related or a problem with the engine or timing adjustment? The oil level is good and new but I have added 1 small bottle Bardahl 2 to the 5W30. I'm afraid that the cause of this noise might damage the engine and any input as to the cause and solution of this problem would be appreciated.

[2RedV's]

98 CRV noise immediately after starter fires engine on cold 10F
Just bought a 98 CRV with 178,000 kms. Last week when the temperature got very cold – way below freezing at 10F or –12C, I noticed a very loud screechy noise instantly after the starter fires up the engine (or almost at the same time) and disappears after 1 or 2 seconds, only to return after the engine has been idle in the cold temp for more than 5 hrs. If I turn the engine off immediately and restart the same thing happens with the cold engine. The noise is identical in every way to the noise that you get when you some times mistakenly crank the ignition key while the engine is already idling (at park). This happens only when temp dips to 10 F or below but does not happen when the engine has been running for a few minutes. Any idea if this is starter related or a problem with the engine or timing adjustment? The oil level is good and new but I have added 1 small bottle Bardahl 2 to the 5W30. I'm afraid that the cause of this noise might damage the engine and any input as to the cause and solution of this problem would be appreciated.I have 2 theories.. Starter or AC tensioner. Mine makes a similar noise (has for 3 winters) and I think mine is the ac tensioner (idler pulley). Next time, before you start it, open the hood and have someone else start it while you listen as to where the noise comes from.

[Dahmer]

I used to drive an '85 corolla, and one real cold winter in toronto, I once had the starter motor actually stick to the cam shaft or whatever, which was rather interesting. but after a few seconds it snapped back to it's normal position.

that's my theory.

[97bubba]

Try starting it with everything off, heater ect. If it still makes the noise then it should be looked at (probable starter) and could damage the flywheel. If it doesn't make the noise then turn on the heater on defrost. I suspect that it is the belt for the a/c. The a/c runs to dry the air when it is in the defrost position. My accord did this, until the a/c compressor locked up. Then it would do it once in awhile when the rear window defroster was on. This was a loose alt belt. Dave