Cold weather engine whining and screaming and...

Since I've had my '98 in Alaska, it's always complained at winter start-up. Now it's complaining more.

What sound does a cold power steering pump make before it decides to "go."
Does it make that sound at -25ºF?

It's alright - you can laugh at me...

-James

 

It depends... When its at operating temp does everything quiet down? Generally when things scream its a bearing. Is it coming from the front of the engine? My 04 with 95000 makes somewhat of a whine when i first start it in cold weather along with a few knocks from piston slap (yes its normal for the 3RZFEs to give a few knocks on initial cold start up), but once its at operating temp its quiet. I just pass it off as either the belts are stiff from being cold and need to make a few laps around to warm/loosen up. Could be the P/S fluid warming up cuss it does get thinker as temps drop. I wouldn't worry about it unless its constant, both cold and warm.

 

Are you running synthetic oil?? this helps a lot with cold starts.

Also i run some marvel mystery oil in the winter its great winter add to the oil.
I use a quart and then the rest of the other oil.

I have a winey pump as well, it allways makes noise. i did add some lucas PS fluid it did make quiet things down a bit.
However with mine I am going to drain the PS system, refill with synthetic fluid.