When it starts, there is somekind of noise- like a bearing going out. OR something is rubbing on the inside of something. Goes quiet soon after. Runs fine?

After driving, it started having a slight odor. Like a hot wire smell/hot plastic.
Any clues?
Where did RonJ hide the manuals at?

Could this be the A/c clutch going out? OR the Timing belt idler?

 

Could be a hundred things. Try to localize the noise. Is it engine or is it something attached to the engine?

[edit]
And manuals are at hondatech.info

 

sounds towards the front, center. far as I can tell.
I'm going to change th timing belt if I can find a manual for it.
had it, got it somewhere. can't find it LOL...

 

http://hondatech.info/downloads/Auto/Manuals/Civic/

 

Thanks!

 

Noise that occurs right after starting then goes away for good (until the next start) is often the alternator belt squealing. The alternator works hardest right after starting to recharge the battery.

 

Strike one. NOT a belt squeal. It's more like a bearing that needs lube or something. Maybe the a/c Clutch- I"m hoping. But since the car has 168,000 miles. WHO knows if and when the timing belt was changed. SO today it get's a timing belt.

But thanks for the reply.

 

could be alternator bearing, power steering pump bearing, compressor, timing belt tensioner, water pump

 

a/c Comp clutch died a horrible death........ cut belt off and good to go.......

 

Come spring time, you can replace just the clutch bearing without replacing the whole compressor or needing to deal with the refrigerant charge.

This is assuming the bearing didn't get so hot that it melted the seal in the front of the compressor, causing a leak.