Over the past few days I've noticed a "buzzing" or "Whirring" noise coming from the engine (3.5 KH Verada) when I start the car. The noise seems to last about 10 seconds and sounds like a belt rubbing lightly (not a squealing noise, but almost like a belt or pulley rubbing lightly on plastic or similar) but it doesn't affect the performance of the car and once it goes away 5 -10 seconds after starting I don't hear it again for the rest of the day. Because it stops so quickly there is no chance of checking to see where it comes from. Has anybody else had this issue or does anybody have any ideas where I can look for solutions? It's not a loud noise, just want to work it out in case its the lead-up to something bad happening.

i have that same noise mine sounds like its coming from the timing belt cover

That was my first thought (ie. plastic cover, rubbing belt) but mine was replaced at 100,000kms and it's only done 145,000kms so I don't think there'd be anything wrong with it, I hope not anyway. I might have it checked by the mechanic anyway, just in case.

it might not be the belt itself but just the cover rubbing at the start up idle (if that makes sense)

I don't know if its relevant particularly, but our TR did that for 3 or 4 weeks after the heads were done, exact same symptoms, we just ignored it for a bit because it didn't seem to be affecting anything and it slowly but surely went away. Probably just a new part wearing in.

lol yeh ok...45,000km's for a new part to wear in....:bowrofl: :gtfo:

Thanks for that. Good theory, except it's had no new parts :cry: . The mystery continues.....

lol yeh ok...45,000km's for a new part to wear in....:bowrofl: :gtfo:

Don't think he just specifically meant the belt.....

No I wasn't specifically speaking of the belt, just meant generally, if anything has been replaced recently, but if not, can't be that then. Maybe just drop it round to your mechanic, they should be able to sort it fairly quickly.

I get the same thing from time to time
more common in colder weather
don't know if from transmission or power steer

it seems like the computer just booting up, mine makes the same noise /

could be the fuel pump priming the fuel line i think mine makes the same noise.

could be the fuel pump priming the fuel line i think mine makes the same noise.
+1

I have also noticed that it happens more in cold weather.

This happens alot in most mitsubishis.
My dads triton and my mates pajero does this aswell as my magna. However only when put into first, reverse or neutral. (automatic)

Hi,

Mine used to do exactly the same thing, and only in winter. I gathered it sounded like metal-to-metal grinding noise.

Checked the engine oil, and apparently the mechanic used 15W-40, which might be to thick for winter. Changed the oil to Castrol Edge 0W-40 (at $70/5L, ouch), and the noise never appears since.