Acura 3.2L Noise?

[Renken2000Classic]

I posted this at the end of the Automotive Diagnostic Tool thread, but maybe it's not getting seen...

I've talked about it a bunch, but brief recap:

It seems like it might be the timing belt tensioner (again, after a couple years), but I'm not 100% sure.

If I drive it, it smooths out to sort of a flutter fairly quickly (and doesn't go back to that sound in the video).

Doesn't always sound that bad when it starts (just the flutter). But sometimes I can hear that clatter as soon as I start cranking.

I like this car and don't want to ruin it. If I knew what this was, I'd be further along than I am now.

 

[Scott06]

Take the drive belt off and start the car to narrow it down to internal or external. Wonder if it is something with the variable valve timing . I’m a Toyota guy and they have issues with VVTi sprockets that make similar noises. no codes being thrown?

 

[Renken2000Classic]

Good idea, will try that... No, no codes in a while. Did get crankshaft position sensor a couple of times, and it ran different when that came up, cruise disconnected, etc.

 

[Renken2000Classic]

Update: It was the timing belt tensioner. Finally took a day to get in there and do it again. Replaced it with what was packaged as a Honda part off of eBay, but there were no markings on the part itself to confirm that (at least to my knowledge). Smooth and quiet now; was sounding pretty bad when I put it on the ramps last night. So glad I didn't trash my valve train.

The one I got from Amazon and put on there in April of 2022 lasted about a year and a half, and <8,000 miles before I find an entry in my records of hearing what sounded like that noise again briefly.

I will be looking up that purchase and leaving a pertinent review. It was part of a kit with the other stuff you do while you're in there. Can't remember the brand right now.