I installed my new tensioner last week and the noise is gone so it seems that the tensioner definatly was the problem.

Thanks for input guys....

 

I'll be putting my fourth in soon.

 

I think I'm almost ready for my 3rd at 69k.

 

Has anyone actually had any damage due to the tensioner?

Highlander, we need to get together for your diagnostic ear. Let me know the next time you're headed to Charlotte.

 

Is the tensioner easily accessible or do I need to move some things first? From HardtopGuy's diagram it looks like the whole top half of the engine is removed (is that the 'head?' I've never done more than an oil change). What size wrenches will I need?

After reading this post I'm almost convinced that this is my problem, because I get a very faint chatter at idle in addition to the start-up noise. The only reservation I have is that yesterday I went to start the car (very cold) and it made the start-up noise but didn't start! I immediately tried again and it made the noise but did start this time. This has me thinking it's the starter again unless the tensioner can actually stop your car from starting? Please enlighten me.

 

You DO NOT need to remove the head, see if you can find a helm's manual or someone to take a pic of that section.

It's basically a few bolts bolting it onto the side of the block... after removing all the bolts sometimes you do have to work at it a bit to get it off, but its not too hard.

When putting in the new one just make sure to NOT remove the pin holding the tensioner in until reinstalling the new tensioner. Then remove the pin through the maintenance hole in the block.

It's actually a pretty easy job, took me about 20 minutes the first time (looking at the helms diagram and instructions).

 

this sounds similar to a sound i'm hearing, darn.

 

For a $150 part, and about 15-20 minutes for installation. I just switched mine just to see if the sound I was hearing was this, as the description was almost perfect.

After replacing, sure enough it was it.

 

this morning (must have been 32-) i tried to start my car and it wouldn't ignite! I tried it twice before running away scared and both times it turned over and made the starting shriek but didn't ignite. is this still a symptom of the tensioner? I'm ordering the part tonight, but I don't have a helms manual. are the instructions given above all I need to know?

 

from what I hear the part is more around $110ish, I know someone who works in the industry so I'll (hopefully) get a discount.

Thanks to Billman for asking me more Q's and letting me know that it probably IS the tensioner, I'll be looking at replacing this soon - after the holidays (if it starts making noice all throughout the RPM's, not just at start)