Odd sound from timing area

[LarryJoe]

I've got a strange but very loud rapid noise coming from my car. It sounds exactly like a card in bicycle spokes. The sound is only at low rpm and as soon as it revs to 3000rpm, the sound completely disappears. But it's not always there. It'll come and go at random times and I can't pinpoint a cause of what causes it. Doesn't matter if the cars cold or has been driven it's just completely random. Everytime I go to put it on my lift at work the sounds gone by the time I get it there so I can't use a stethoscope to find it. Anyone ever experience this? I'm thinking possibly a bad tensioner maybe? Oh and this is on my completely stock 90gsx. Just did the timing components about 2000 miles ago.

 

[smills1840]

A video would really help. Mine is making an obnoxious noise and I think it's because the belt is too tight.

 

[LarryJoe]

Can't upload one from my phone and don't have access to a computer.

 

[Dsmkauai]

Did the noise start after you did the timing belt job??

 

[LarryJoe]

Nope didn't start until a couple days ago.

 

[Dsmkauai]

You still have a balance shaft belt?

 

[LarryJoe]

Yeah and it's still intact. I went over all my timing today to make sure that wasn't the issue.

 

[Dsmkauai]

K that's good was going to suggest that! Hmm you sure its from the timing side and not coming from the clutch? Maybe a spring came out of the center hub and is popping in and out every now and then. I've seen it happen before.

 

[LarryJoe]

Definitly sounds like the timing area. Possibly under the valve cover.

Update: I pulled the valve cover and found out my baffle is extremely loose. Could this be the cause of the sound?