Acura 3.2L Noise?

[Renken2000Classic]

I posted this at the end of the Automotive Diagnostic Tool thread, but maybe it's not getting seen...

I've talked about it a bunch, but brief recap:

It seems like it might be the timing belt tensioner (again, after a couple years), but I'm not 100% sure.

If I drive it, it smooths out to sort of a flutter fairly quickly (and doesn't go back to that sound in the video).

Doesn't always sound that bad when it starts (just the flutter). But sometimes I can hear that clatter as soon as I start cranking.

I like this car and don't want to ruin it. If I knew what this was, I'd be further along than I am now.

 

[Scott06]

Take the drive belt off and start the car to narrow it down to internal or external. Wonder if it is something with the variable valve timing . I’m a Toyota guy and they have issues with VVTi sprockets that make similar noises. no codes being thrown?

 

[Renken2000Classic]

Good idea, will try that... No, no codes in a while. Did get crankshaft position sensor a couple of times, and it ran different when that came up, cruise disconnected, etc.