Grinding noise at start up

When I start the car in the morning. There's a grinding noise from maybe the fan? I switch the car off, then start it again and the noise disappears, and doesn't occur at all on any start up for the rest of the day. This happens every morning when the car is cold. What could it be?

Asked on 24 July 2012 by Owenn

Answered by Honest John
Unlikely to be the fan because that is electric and won't start turning until the engine is hot. Might be the alternator.
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