I have searched but can't find anything like the noise I hear. On the very first startup in the morning I hear a noise on the front driverside of the motor. It sounds like the fan is hitting something but it only lasts for literally 1 second and doesn't do it again, even if I shut it off 3 seconds after starting it and restart it won't make the noise till the next morning. Itis silent after that and revs really quiet.I took the driverside timing belt cover off to inspect and the belt looks good and has very little shine on the smooth side, the waterpump looks brand new. I just bought the car a week ago and it didin't do it till it got down in the 30's here at night. The previous owner had it for 2 years and didn't do the timing belt and didn't know if the guy before him did. I'm going to try calling the dealer and giving him the vin to see if he can track to see if it was done and hopefully I get lucky.

 

Noises on cold start are hard to diagnose and can be difficult to pin-point. I would have someone start the car for you and listen to 2 areas.
1. By the engine
2. Right rear of the car in front of the right rear wheel.
The reason for number 2 is a clogged fuel filter will make a noise only on cold start up and can sound like its coming from the engine bay.

 

I had my wife start it while I was under the hood and it was coming from the front driverside of the engine. It doesn't do it long enough to really track it though, just get the area it's coming from.

 

On the old 1.8 engine thats where the water pump and clutch fan is. Try taking off the serpintine belt/fan belt and start the engine and see if it goes away.

 

I have a 2.8 andwhen I looked under the timing cover I saw the waterpump was in the middle and it wasn't in the area of the noise so I'm going to rule that out. The fan clutch is tight and so is the fan. I will have to wait till next weekend to pull the belt as I work through the week , thanks for the info.