[jrdwyer]

First make sure it's not the belt slipping. Slipping belts commonly cause a whining or shreiking noise at startup and go away after a few minutes when the belt stretches. If the belt is worn or frayed, then replace it. If it is just loose, tighten it to the specs in the manual. In my opinion, Gates makes the best belts.

If the alternator is going bad, it should trigger the dummy light on the dash. If the water pump is going bad, it will generally start to leak antifreeze at the pump. Check your overflow tank and radiator for proper coolant levels if it has been leaking.