[Dodo]

I just really noticed it today at school. I was under the hood checking the valve lash sound and i hear something new. Its a clucking sound and i think its coming from the timing belt. So i got home and cracked her open. I dont see anything out of the norm, (not that i would know what the norm is, its my first time in here.) No chunks missing and all the teeth are still on the belt. Checked tightness, its tight up front but in back its loose. (I dont know the norm as stated above.) Note: I dont know how many miles are on the belt but i have put 10000 on it since ive got her.

So Questions are
1. Whats is the tightness spouse to be on the timing belt?
2. What else would cause that noise?
3. Do you think its time to change the belt+water pump+tensioner?

 

[ComposiMo]

Can you hear it with the car running? Does it sound like a can of rocks when running?

If you can, get a buddy to turn the motor over for you by hand so that the clunking can be heard, then take a really long screwdriver or wooden dowel/broomhandle (preferably cut down), and place it against the motor in different areas, place it on the water pump, the timing cover, tensioner bolt, etc, and see where the noise is coming from the loudest.

 

[Dodo]

I wouldnt say its sounds like can of rocks, thats more of the valve lash noise. And yes, its only when the car is running. You cant hear it from inside the car, but only when the hood is up and you listen for it. Otherwise the sound of the valves over power it.

Im kind of confused by your answer. Do you want me to have the engine running while checking for noise or have it so the engine wont run but its turning over? Would i check it with the cover off?

To add, After taking the timing cover off (top piece only) i saw no scoring on the cover nor on the belt, So i dont think the belt is hitting the cover.