Got a weird noise coming from the engine. I don’t really know how to describe it even which is why I’m making a new post instead of googling it.

it only makes that sound on some cold starts, after engine is warm, the sound goes away. Sound is on the right side of the engine, towards the back. Would appreciate any advice, car is working fine other then that.

 

 

Timing belt tensioner? How many miles and was timing belt ever done?

 

Never been done, or at least that I know off. Around 181k miles.

Wouldn't the tensioner still make the sound even with a hot engine?

 

In my case similar sounds were caused by two pulleys. As far as I remember, at beginning the sound was only on cold engine and dissapeared when warmed up. Then it sounded all the time.

 

Step 1, pull the serp belt off and see if the noise continues.

YES --> investigate the timing belt tensioner
NO --> investigate the various pulleys along the serp belt path

 

is that an indicator that the pulleys need replacing? Or the belt itself?

Not a car guy, so sorry if its a retarded question to ask, but im trying to learn all I can about the car.

 

Yikes, get the timing belt done now; either that or wait anywhere from ten minutes to ten months, and have your engine eat the valves.

 

Yeah I know, don't have the money right now though :/

I just got the car from another owner and when I checked the CARFAX, it said that there was maintenance done to it, just didn't specific what kind. I'm just praying that it doesn't go out before I get to a tech.

 

Got the timing belt replaced. It was the tensioner making the noise. Got that replaced too. Thanks.

 

Was it like a whine? Because I have a whine going on right now.

 

no, more like a bunch of tapping or flapping, idk how to describe it. def not a whine. Posted video above on sound but here's the link again:

 

sorry i was in a place where I couldn’t listen to the video

 

I had this same problem. It’s one of you timing belt tensioners. I replaced both of mine and went ahead and changed my motor mount on the passenger side. Noise went away after changing. If it sound like the car is knocking get those tensioners replaced. The one that’s most important is the one with the pin on it that’s the one that really eliminated the noise

 

What car do you have that has multiple timing belt tensioners?