scratchy sound on engine start up

[poxpox]

Hi All,

For the past week or so I have had a problem on and off when I start my car. I can hear this abrasive scratchy sound coming from the engine when I start my car. It doesn't happen all the time but the first I did notice I had the air conditioner off and then turned it on and it was fine. This afternoon as I was preparing to leave work the car again made the above sound. This time the air con was on. I turned it off and on about 4 times before the sound was gone. Any idea what maybe causing this sound? It's really not nice on the ears.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[304runner]

Id almost put my money on a lose belt if its a v8. Either a lose belt or the fan is hitting the shroud for some reason.. How are you with tools in your hand? And does this only ever happen when the car is cold by any chance?

[poxpox]

It's a 3.8L V6 and I am not too bad with tools in my hand, and I have friends who are more technically minded.

Yes, it does only happen when it has been sitting for a period of time, 8 - 10 hours or so but not always.

[poxpox]

Just had Racq come over and he said its hard to pin point but thinks its a balance shaft?? Any idea how much that would cost?

[Vee-ard]

If it's anything like I have at the moment, (a tak-tak-scratch sound) your idler pulley has dry bearings and/or your a/c compressor clutch has dust in it.

[304runner]

If it's anything like I have at the moment, (a tak-tak-scratch sound) your idler pulley has dry bearings and/or your a/c compressor clutch has dust in it.

+1.... I was thinking it could of been a bearing....

[some_guy]

had a really bad grinding/scratching sound. Turned out to be a crap water pump bearing/unit and dodgy idler pulley.