Loud fan noise on cold start

[Mellls]

I wouldn't be going back there in a hurry.

What year is your car? If it's a later one it might be the secondary air pump making the noise

Car is 2003, I don't know much about the mk4, always had mk3's, all your comments are very helpful guys, thank you.

[northeast_gti-t]

2003 model year will have secondary air injection 

[northeast_gti-t]

Need your signature updating to then 

[Mellls]

Need your signature updating to then 

Mmmm yes, thought you guys might have something to say about that, thing is, I've still got the Mk3, had her 12 years, will have to get some shots of my newbie.  I must say, it looks nothing like the mk3 when I lift the bonnet... I'm completely lost, and I can't see through to road!!

[Mellls]

I would agree with dom if yours has a secondary air pump it will be this you can hear its part of pre heating for the emissions and catalytic convertor etc

OK, I've ebay searched the secondary air pump, I know what you're talking about now, I presume that they would have had to remove this to do the work. 

Should it have a seal to hold it in place as it's sitting loose within the hole?
I guess it would be safe to start it up then hold it to see if it makes a difference.

It is quite loud, peeps turned their heads in the car park earlier, it attracted attention.

I've not noticed the sound of any fan on start up before, is it possible it wasn't working and now it is it needs a clean?... (sounds similar to my fish tank pump when it needs a clean out and the impellors got stuck?)

You're a great help guys!! ty

[dom]

I just removed mine along with all the associated pipework. The pump itself is pretty easy to get to but a bit of a bugger to remove because its hard to access the bolts for the bracket.

If you're slightly handy with the spanners I'd buy a blanking plate and ditch the whole system including pump, there are loads of guides online showing how to do it.

[Wazzzer]

Can you ask them what exactly they replaced for £160? And maybe get a receipt? Personally I wouldn't let that go