2010 Toyota Corolla LE
187,000, 1 owner miles. Automatic. 1.8L engine, VVT. Uses 1 qt oil about 5000 miles
When I start my car after it sat all night I get a loud, grinding noise for about 3 seconds. It sounds like the gear from the starter motor didn't disengage from the flywheel. I had it checked out by a mechanic. He said the camshaft gear on the exhaust side is bad. Toyota has a bulletin TSB 0087-09 to repair. There is a Youtube video with the TSB in the title. This video shows a mechanic repair the problem from start to finish in 73 minutes. My mechanic said this will take over 4 hours and cost over $1000. He said to live with the noise. Is it safe to drive this way?
The noise you mentioned is due to VVTi oil starvation at the start up. As long as it disappears after couple of seconds, you don't need to worry about it. If you want to fix it correctly, it costs you lots of money.
camshaft gear on the exhaust side is bad
I would get a second opinion on this.
