What is this god awful noise

[bfarroo]

When you can't find the noise anywhere else...

I have one of those!

[BlueShadow]

Timing belt overtight?

I would look at this next. I have had a very similar sound previously with an overtightened timing belt, the sound was almost gone when hot also.

[bgbmxer]

Noises are weird man. When I worked for Ford, I worked with the engineers tracking noises on cars. Then we had to find solutions. Then the number crunchers told us no you cant do it right, It will cost too much. It looks to me like you are getting close to finding the issue. Check that belt and if that's not it then get the stethoscope on it. If you don't have one, Harbor Freight has them for like $2. You can also use a long metal extension or a pipe in a bind. Hell, I have even used a cut down broom stick. Just stick one end on the part and the other on your ear. It works like the stethoscope.

Might be something to do with the belt. I just redid the timing the other day and no matter how loose or tight the belt wouldn't ride in the center. Maybe a tensioner. Might have to look into the intermediate shaft. It doesn't have excessive play but who knows if they used a gasket or the correct sealer instead.