Weird 1 second noise at start up-986 Boxster

[ProjectM96]

Hello, sometimes, when I start my 2000 Porsche Boxster 2.7L 5spd, it makes a weird whine noise for a split second the moment after the engine starts. Cold starts. But it does not always do it. I know I am pushing the clutch all the way when starting the car.

It kind of sounds like a steel wire tow rope being pulled out of the bumper of a jeep if you know what I mean.

It is not the sound of a belt screech. Not even close.

Engine rpm also jumps up and down at idle. I think I just need to clean the MAF sensor. I don't know if that might have anything do with it.

Any ideas?

[hasaramat]

Mine does the same thing. I have spent alot of time under the car and I have determined it is the starter gear retracting on its shaft after the car starts, cold only, (I THINK!). I will find out soon enough since second gear just went out on my trans so the whole thing is coming out.. I guess it's time for clutch and IMS also, OUCH!

[ProjectM96]

Thanks, If you figure out if it is bad for the car, please let me know.

If it doesn't hurt the car, I can live with it. I am unemployed now so I can't afford to replace any parts.

[Bracketracer]

Had another manual car that the starter was covered in clutch dust and the drive gear would stick and hang up on the ring gear. Once I cleaned the starter nose and gear it went away. Similar sound you describe.

[drewbz818]

My car made same sound off and on, it was the starter. You can get a rebuilt one for under 300 here on Pp. easy to change but gotta have that 18" extention to get the lower bolt.

[very~worn~944]

This noise is def. the starter...my 97 makes this noise occasionally (once a weekish?) when cold- happened this morning and I instantly recalled this post: cable through a metal bumper!! Love it. In the shop we joke about them sounding like robot turkeys....the starter gear is not retracting back instantly and gettin spun up by the ring. Can further damage the starter- could damage the ring if bad enough, but not likely. Cleaning it may temp fix- easy to replace. I'm a damn tech and still don't plan on changing mine soon- I know what eating the ring sounds like, and until then I'm just wearing the dying starter more. If I have a stranding event, I will bump start it.

[smshirk]

The starters make this noise quite a bit, mine particularly in cold weather. They also need replacing pretty often, although it's unclear if the noise is indicative of an eminent failure.