Noticed a buzzing sound when starting in cold weather

[jmann]

I have a '98 Tourer with 53K and noticed this past winter when first starting her up on cold mornings I would get a metallic buzzing type sound coming from the area in or around the starter/alternator. If I turn her off and restart most times the buzzing sound is gone but on occassion it might take 2 or three times of turning off and restarting for the sound to subside. Is there a possibility there is something hanging up with the starter that needs to be addressed? I don't notice it when the weather warms up so I am not sure if it's something thats being affected by some lubricant being thick/sticky on cold mornings. Thoughts?

[Ricky-D]

I think that starting it up and then turning off only to repeat the process a number of times can not be in the best interest of the motor and parts.

If the starter motor is hanging up it should release after a few moments so I would suggest to leave the motor running and observe if the noise stops. It does not operate in the same way as an automobile where a gear engages a flywheel so don't worry about that part of it.

There are other possible reasons for the noise

So a thorough investigation is necessary.

You can use a length of garden hose to listen to different areas.

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[jmann]

RD, I'll give the garden hose a try though being in AZ. the temps might not get cold enough for another 6 months before it shows itself again. It's starting to warm up rather quickly. I'll carry a short length of hose just in case.