http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFq4HRUjPLQ

when i fire up the car in -20 or so regardless of being plugged in (oil pan heater) it makes a horrible sound like marbles in a rock crusher for a minute or 2, and has a super lopey 2000rpm idle (brap brap brabrbrbrap) then it will stop making the noise and immediately assume a lower more steady idle.
doesnt seem like its an issue of no oil getting to somewhere although it definitely sounds like it...even though i am getting oil pressure almost immediately and it doesnt matter if the oil is cold or if ive been running the oil pan heater for several hours.

also doesnt matter if the clutch is disengaged or not so its nothing to do with transmission, what the heck could it be?

 

nobody...anything?

 

Can't see your video, but I'll take a shot at this. Take a 3-4 foot length of tubing (garden hose or smaller sized), place one end up to your ear and use the other as a stethoscope to listen to your engine. Doing this, you might be able to pinpoint the location.

Specific places to check would include the alternator, water pump, pulleys, or anything else with bearings.

Good luck...



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it sounds like its coming from the back end of the motor. the sound in the video is most prominent near the beginning in the shot under the wheel well.

 

I think its ice on the flywheel clutch area and so as it runs it rubbs away and stops the noise

 

Its nothing to worry about dude it very cold there as i can see,plus next time it does that pull the clutch in see what happends.

 

clutch in or out doesnt change the sound

i just find it weird that like not even 1/2 a second after the grinding noise stops it takes a lower more calm idle..they are somehow related

 

Are you sure your starter isn't stuck in the ring gear for a while after start up? Use the hose idea on the starter housing, never know.. make sure your key is returning to the proper run position when it is cold

 

hmmm actually that could be it lol....when it was like -35 my starter actually got stuck on and wouldn't even turn off even when i completely shut the vehicle off and removed the key.
i know the key is returning but the starter itself very well could be sticking, that is actually what it sounds like...

 

you were right lol. the starter gear isnt retracting right away. i went and turned the key again right after i started it this morning and it doesnt even change the sound other than adding a little bit of a whine to it.

 

Ok that would be the solenoid sticking .. They get dirty and oily inside where it slides in the sleeve just replace it . If you don't your starter will be screwed soon .. With your engine running at say 2000 RPM your starter would be turning 40,000 to 50,000 RPM. maybe more ..