I get a VERY loud, screetching whine on startup when it's VERY cold (below -10F) and it gradually goes away over the course of 30-90 seconds as it warms up. I think it's the starter not releasing fully and the edges of the gears grind a bit as it slowly retracts. It has done this since new, but doesn't seem to pose any problems...plus, it's rarely that cold in the morning. At 5F to -5F sometimes I will get a lighter whine that goes away even quicker.