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Hi Phil,
I have a faint heart and thick hands and still have been getting in over my head since the mid 90’s. Brickboard has always helped me get right side up.
My bias towards the timing chain was that it was cited by two different mechanics (although the second could have equally been biased by the first). The prior owners primary mechanic is what I would consider an almost dealer – they sell used Volvos and are viewed as a high end indy shop. The second mechanic is more out of the way, but well known and “affordable”.
This was his wife’s primary vehicle and there was a car seat in the back so I can understand his hesitancy. My original thought was the guide on the tensioner getting worn due to low oil. However – in looking at the service records and receipts (they bought each of the mechanic’s children new braces it seems) the upper motor mount was changed in September and the noise is first noted in a November service visit.
The sound is RPM dependent, and not connected to vehicle speed, so it likely is in the area of the timing chain and serpentine belt - but the unusual pulley routing and design, not to mention the centrifugal clutches do suggest at least the possibility of an easier solution.
Fingers crossed!
Mike
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