Can you post a video of the engine running with the upper timing cover off?

 

I’ll post a video first thing in the morning

 

I’m back again trying to keep my 08 V6 Tib running like new. Yesterday I installed a Gates timing belt kit, it came with all new pulleys, water pump, gasket, and tensioner. I am very certain that I installed the belt correctly, but it makes a whirling noise which increases with engine rpm. I’ve done some research online about it and several people say this is caused by the belt being over tensioned, but our cars have an auto tensioner and thus over/under tightening the belt shouldn’t be an issue. Now one thing to note is that when I removed the old tensioner the old belt literally just fell right off, but when I went to put the new belt on its was a struggle to get on without the pin in the new tensioner even being pulled yet. I’m wondering if the new belt might just need to be broken in seeing how it was tight without any tension being applied to it by the tensioner. I’ve only driven it about 10 miles since the install so I’m not sure if more driving could be the solution. Let me know what you guys think, thanks in advance.

Do you have a link to the exact kit you used? Did you replace all components? And did you torque to spec?

Maybe some of the experts can help you out, but I used the $325 kit from Shark Racing (not sure how much of a difference there is, but it states "factory genuine parts only"), and it ended up being less noisy than the previous, more worn components I had.

 

This is the kit I used: https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F271703367069 and yes everything was replaced and torqued to spec.

 

Checking the manual for the 2.7L V6 engine, while there is an auto tensioner (sort of) there is also a need to set the tensioner (EMA page -80). Not sure if you compared the old to new belt, but when I changed my belt on the I4, the old one was stretched (understandably). I'm pretty sure I've seen a DIY for GK style V6, so maybe check that to see if you skipped a step/did something different.

Also the video (to me) sounds like something is getting rubbed. perhaps that's the back of the belt, which would be causing the marks you noted on the smooth side.

 

Check the cam bolts if it came loose. Tensioner pulley bracket should have two washers (front and back) see if it's missing one. Also check crankshaft sprocket key if it's missing. Re-torque everything and slap a new belt.

I've used TCK315 kit before and never had any issues (although I don't like the chinese water pump that Gates supplies with this kit)

 

Well turns out the water pump that was sent was bad and making the noise, but when retiming the car I ****ed up and bent a valve so time for my first engine rebuild :/ thanks for everyone’s help and wish me luck!