There’s a very noticeable noise coming from the engine. It’s a combination of
squealing, rubbing, clicking, chattering…I took the timing belt cover off,
started the engine and concentrated on timing belt, serpentine belt,
and the pulleys and rollers that go with them. I don’t see anything
out of ordinary. Also, both belts are in good shape, about 2 years old,
or 15,000 miles. Noise appears strongest under the intake manifold,
front of the engine. It almost sounds like the starter is partly still engaged
into flywheel, but I very much doubt that. Car always had good maintenance,
good fluids, etc. Car has enough oil, and coolant. It has me quite concerned…
Every now and then, noise will completely disappear, but will return.

Why rule out the starter??? A solenoid that doesn't completely retract the gear wheel from the flywheel will make all sorts of noise, none of it good.

I don't suggest sticking your hand down and feeling the starter after a cold start, there are nasty electrical componants down there that can shock you besides the engine fan coming on :) But, I would. Just to see if it is the vibrating component. A thin stick might work better.

Klaus
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Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.

I was just thinking about how I was going to post what sounds like "pun intended" the same problem. In my case it only happens when the engine is cold and as my daughter noted, it sounds like a loose bolt bouncing around inside something that is rotating. It only lasts for less than a minute.

Great diagnostic idea of removing serpentine belt but, will that make it throw check engine light errors ?

Hopefully things will warm up a bit to try it. Currently it's +5F up here in northwestern Vermont.

It could be your AC pump starting to go South. Does it continue to make noise if you shut it off ? It could be a combination of the three components in that area, AC compressor, Alternator, Power steering pump bearing. Mine is making noise also.
RK

Take the serpentine belt off and see if the noise persists. If not, spin each component by hand. Your car will be really angry not having the belt on, but nothing essential is driven by it.