What would cause a taping sound behind the timing belt cover at idle but stops at 1800 RPM and begines to rattle again around 5ooo RPM?

Answer 1

My car is having same issue. We took the cover off the timing belt today and bought new timing belt, water pump, and tensioner. The tensioner appears to have significant play and the belt seems to be stretched pretty bad. I have a feeling the slack at low RPMs is allowing the tension to float forward then slamming it back against the pin in the top of the tensioner. At mid range RPMs the belt is able to maintain consistent pressure on the pulley to hold it against the tensioner. My car sounded like someone shaking a can of paint with a paint ball in it. It does getting faster with RPMs but clears at around 1800 RPMs and returns at higher RPMS. First started as a light noise and over a few days became horrible. Anyone else have an ideas or fixes. Will know tomorrow if mine is fixed. 3.6 hrs labor ($60x3.6=$210 approx.) and about $200 ($82 tensioner, $55 belt, $40 water pump +Tax) in parts from local part store.