noisy cold start

[CowboyKyle]

Hi all,

I currently have my 2004 MO in the shop for the following issues:

- noise on cold start - somewhere between a rattle and whine... from engine
- noise will continue, getting louder on accel or when turning for about 10 minutes after start
- after MO is warmed up, noise is 98% gone, only barely noticeable on slow turns

this condition has been tolerable, and has been on again off again since last winter.

this morning:

- wife told me car wouldn't start - it was 11 degrees out, car in unheated garage
- MO was very hard to start - I had to crank it for about 30 sec or more - had charge, and cranked, but did not roll into start - would not 'catch'.
- found a quarter sized oil deposit on floor

Dealership says I need a new power steering return hose. that would explain the fluid. But in all honesty, this morning was the first time i've seen that fluid on the floor. And the noise has been over a year (almost not noticeable in summer).

My biggest concern is an under diagnosis, and that in fact I have a TC tensioner issue that isn't being looked at. Is the diagnosis consistent? Could a failing PS return hose, and a PS pump that is low on fluid cause the above noise? And just _now_ exhibit signs of leaking? or is the first thing found being blamed and any further investigation being avoided?

thanks in advance for any feedback.

Kyle.

[nitely]

Is the fluid on the floor red? If yes then its your power steering fluid leaking. Probably the pressure line. Low fluid level there could cause weird pump noise. Top off fluid level to avoid pump failure if repair has not been done yet. But do it soon. Does not have to be the dealer. Or diy it if you are inclined.

On hard to start morning...how old is your battery? If 3 years old maybe its time for a new one.

On your noise issue....Is it like a pre-ignition knock? If its more of a rattle could be the tensioner on the timing chain. Maybe the belts idler pulley bearing?, Have you done the belt change recently? If its timing chain related then its gonna be an expensive repair. Cross your fingers its not. Maybe the fuel dampers? Can you can an audio clip on it and post it here so we can hear.

[CowboyKyle]

Thanks for the reply.

I couldn't say if the fluid was red, it looked darker in my opinion, but the light is not good in the garage. I do know that the car did not make any noise on start up at the shop last night when I picked it up - and the repair was not done. I was told the high pressure hose would take a couple days to get, so the PS fluid was topped off and I was told to monitor it daily and wait for the call when the hose comes in.

No noise on start up last night, no noise on start up this morning (34 degrees, started right up). And no noticeable noise during turning.

I think I caught a break, that it really was just a low supply of PS fluid, and perhaps a cold morning. The battery is the second of the cars life the first having died after 3 years of use, and I believe is currently 5 years old. Interstate.

I guess my only concern is the fluid on the ground yesterday was the first I saw. I would have thought I would have seen fluid before then, if I've been hearing this for over a year on cold mornings. And I guess i'm a little disappointed that the dealership didn't notice this during the last full service, about 8 months ago.

[BillArf]

snipe:

Originally Posted by CowboyKyle

The battery is the second of the cars life the first having died after 3 years of use, and I believe is currently 5 years old. Interstate.

Battery is 5 years old and you want to know why the car is hard to start / does not want to start when it is 11 degrees out. Time to replace the battery, plain and simple. Also, most vehicles that sit for a day in 11 degree temperatures or lower will whine a bit / make a different sound lets call it when you start it in 11 degree weather.