Strange sound during startup

[318ti97]

On cold/cool mornings, when I start up the car for the first time, I hear a really strange noise. If any of you have ever tried to turn the key after the car is already started, you might have hear the psuedo "grinding noise". I hear it immediately after the car starts up. It lasts for about 1/2 a sec. Any ideas? Thanks!
P.S. No, I am not turning the key after the engine is already running.

[Bluebimma]

Are you sure it isnt your secondary air valve/pump or w/e its called for the intake/exhaust?

[318ti97]

Couldn't answer you question if you paid me a million dollars. Not very mechanically inclined. The closest I can equate the noise to is how I described it earlier. Sorry!

[Phil Marx]

Open the hood and locate a round black plastic air-pump housing on the driver's side near the intake manifold. Have someone start the car (cold) and listen or put your hand on the pump. If the pump is bad you probably need the valve that goes to the exhaust manifold, too. Of course it could still be your starter itself sticking. Both are common problems.

[pnosker]

I hear a noise for a couple of seconds coming from the black plastic thing on top of the intake manifold. Is this what you're talking about? Cause I have no idea what that sound is either.

[318ti97]

Originally Posted by Phil Marx

Open the hood and locate a round black plastic air-pump housing on the driver's side near the intake manifold. Have someone start the car (cold) and listen or put your hand on the pump. If the pump is bad you probably need the valve that goes to the exhaust manifold, too. Of course it could still be your starter itself sticking. Both are common problems.

Thanks bro.... I will do that as soon as I get a chance. I sincerely do appreciate to giving me some advice.

[FATHER]

Not, not is the pump, i have the same noise, is the idle control valve, is normal, i ask to my mechanic, if you like to prove it, the next time you go to start the engine only put the key to the star potition and way, you can hear the same noise but all the time, is normal... i think, in my case i hear those noise avery morning for about 5 years...

[DeadpaN]

Yeah, its not the idle valve or the air pump-I get that .5 second gring occasionally too. Like if you were to hold the key in the start position for too long. Sticking starter motor? I'm not bothering with it.

[DustenT]

Originally Posted by DeadpaN

Yeah, its not the idle valve or the air pump-I get that .5 second gring occasionally too. Like if you were to hold the key in the start position for too long. Sticking starter motor? I'm not bothering with it.

Same here. I figure the starter will stop working when it wants to be replaced.

[Tyler]

Originally Posted by DustenT

Same here. I figure the starter will stop working when it wants to be replaced.

Well my starter was acting up in may/june and finally crapped out on 10/3. I had mine replaced about a week later when i was on vaca. Now she starts up like a mean little car.

[318ti97]

Originally Posted by Tyler

Well my starter was acting up in may/june and finally crapped out on 10/3. I had mine replaced about a week later when i was on vaca. Now she starts up like a mean little car.

By "acting up" do you mean to say you heard the same kind of noise as well? If so, approximately how long after that did you starter finally give out? Last but not least, how much did it set you back? Just trying to plan ahead financially, incase it gives out.
The funniest thing is.....it only does it on cold mornings.

BTW thanks for everybodies input.