Clickclack on startup

[Peewee]

I started my 1uz tonight the same as I always do.
The only difference is that today is probably the coldest day I have ever started the car (about 15degC), but I don't know if that is relevant.

Anyway, I had this weird clack sound.
It was very consistant.
clack clack clack clack pause clack clack pause for 2 secs, and then started again.
Would have done this for a good few mins.

Stopped the car, took off the accessories belt, tried it again, did it, so its not the p/s, alt, fan, or any idler pulleys.

This leaves the 2 cams, the crank, waterpump, and any idler bearings on the timing belt.

Its much louder in the valley at the front (sound coming up the front covers), so to me it sounds like the waterpump.
I drove the car home (8km), and the temp was fine, so the water pump is still working.
The sound had also stopped by the time I got home.


Any have any ideas?
My money is on the water pump

 

[Zuffen]

Peewee,

Crook (bad for all forigners) connecion on the starter.

The sound is the solenoid clicking in and out before the arcing joint finally makes a decent connection. The noise flows forward from the solenoid and out the front of the valley.

I would check your earth connections, battery connections then the starter lead on the starter. I fthefault is external to the starter the solenoid will still click in and out and make the noise.

Mongrel job if the starter lead is loose but at least you know how to get at it.

Cold days accentuate a sad battery as well. Could be that.

Let us know how it goes.

 

[Peewee]

I'll put a screwdriver stethoscope on the starter motor next time I start the car.
It happened again when I just started the car then (2pm).
But I definately sounds like its coming out of the front engine covers.
I'm now leaning towards the timing belt tensioner, or one of the timing belt bearings.
After I check the starter motor solanoid, I'm just gonna wait until sometihng breaks.

 

[XxSC400xX]

I've recently had a problem similar to this. When starting the car it makes a fast clicking sound. I figured this was the solenoid, so I checked the battery terminals and cleaned them. I checked with a voltmeter and it's getting a good ground to the engine block, but still this problem persists. If the key is turned it clicks, but if it is held for a while (10-15 seconds) the starter motor begins to turn, one turn at first then two and it evenutally starts. If the car is started, then turned off and started again the solenoid doesn't click and it starts ok. The battery is getting charged and holds voltage. Im now thinking its the starter motor just going out after reading some of Lextreme's posts. The car has 140,000 miles on it so maybe its just time. Any other recommendations on what I can do to possibly remedy this would greatly appreciated.

-Kyle

 

[Zuffen]

Kyle,

I would lay bets your problem is 100% starter.

It could be the connection at the starter is at fault. It could be it's a high resistance joint that takes a bit of time to make contact.

The other option would be the solenoid contacts could be burned.

I'd suggest remove the starter and give it to your auto electrician and have him rebuild it.

When reinstalling it make sure the battery cable is clean (the mounting stud also) and it's tight.

 

[Lextreme II]

Anyway, I had this weird clack sound. It was very consistant. clack clack clack clack pause clack clack pause for 2 secs, and then started again. Would have done this for a good few mins.

Peewee,

Is the noise during the process of starting the engine or it comes on while the engine is running?

I dont think its the starter. I think its your battery. It sounds like your battery is not strong enough to crank the engine and the selnoid is activated. I would check the followings:

Battery
Battery Terminals (Especially Ground)
Starter fuse box in the engine bay. In the Celsior, its the Second larger relay.
Alternator and check for voltage and charging system.

 

[Peewee]

While running