Engine sound from serpentine belt area?

So you say you are sure it is not from the compressor? It sounds like it is making the noise which it is possible for the compressor to work but still make noise. With the engine off, grasp the AC compressor clutch and spin it by hand, it should be smooth with a slight resistance. If all is good, the problem can be the harmonic balancer or the timing chain system is worn out, ie: timing chain, guides tensioner, camshaft phasers. You might want to remove the serpentine belt to help the inspection. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes

I did remove the belt and the compressor turns by hand fine no problem and the AC is super cold but when I also replaced the tensioner from my wife's car same results so my question is if I remove the belt and turn the AC on will the clutch still make the same noise if it's the reason behind the noise or does it need to be turning with a belt to make that noise? How can I determine whether the noise is coming from the harmonic balancer or from the compressor

The harmonic balancer will be loose at the outer ring. It might have a broken crankshaft as well. I would remove the belt and then turn on the AC to see what happens, my guess is the noise will stay the same as the load of the compressor makes the engine make the noise but you never know.

Removed the belt, but the compressor only turns when the belt is on even with the ac button pressed. No noise now but not sure if its the compressor or the load of the compressor causes the engine to knock. Harmonic balancer spins fine no sign of issues at all no wobble and not loose

Then it has to be the compressor, I would install a new or used unit. If you need help please start a new thread for it. Please post your new question here, you must be logged in.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Cheers, Ken

Replaced it with a used one, unfortunately it is coming from the engine, ugh, mainly from chain area on top

I am sorry to hear that, it must be the load from the compressor that causes it. This is a rare problem FYI.

hmm, ya I know with Toyotas hard to happen, but the car has 198k actually I made a mistake of putting 150k in the beginning

Good to know, thanks for the problem, that is one good thing about the web I get to see all problems, this was a new one for me.

I removed the valve cover still dont see anything. Hard to move the chain around to see if any slack, any ideas on how to remove the chain metal cover? I giess i have to. And wherher i need to remove the tensioner to remove the cover, and which side is it on

I thought it was the compressor no?

No it didnt solve the issue. Even with compressor off still have that noise. I thought maybe i could see something with cover off but definitely an inside noise. Also the belt tensioner and belt replaced

Is it possible spark plugs pre detonation coupd be that noise i sent you a video of

Spark plugs lugs look ok. Plz look at this chaon

Yep that seems lose, I would try to look down inside the engine timing cover to check the chain further and look for broken pieces such as the tensioner or guides thank for the video, it helps. You might need to remove the timing cover completely for the inspection.

Ya i have to remove it. Thanks

Sounds good, I believe that is your problem.

Removed it and found this plz see videos

Not sure if this ppay is acceptable because the guide coles with just one bolt and the other side is held by the tensioner tension?

I placed it on TDC and the top and bottom marks line up but not the chain colored ones so at least i know its in time

Yep, you found the problem, the timing chain, tensioner and guides need to be replaced. They make a kit with all of these with seals to help with the repair. Nice work getting the front off of the engine so fast :) Thanks for the videos! They help.

ugh, I hate replacing chains. I done it on a vw once and I cussed the whole time through it lol. This is much easier am sure. My only concern is if I replace both cam gears or phasers, after removing the chain, just hold the cam with a wrench and remove the camshaft gear bolt? you ever heard of the engine oil pumps from inside the oil pan go weak and cause such noise?

any brand you recommend other than the dealership so I don't break the bank?

also do you know which RTV silicone is recommended for the cover

We should start a new thread to continue with the job. Please post your new question here, you must be logged in.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Cheers, Ken

Started the car the old noise is gone but there is still some ticking not sure if from chain area or under the valve cover. Not sure if this is normal. Noise that used to pop when ac was on is gone. I am 100% i did everything right and no checm engine light or codes

That ticking sounds normal to me, like it is the fuel injectors.

That is what i thought, and i read in many places that these motors are noisy. Thanks

You are welcome, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.