Hi I have a d16z6 in a 88 civic LX and there is a strange wurring noise coming from the timing belt area. I listen to it with a stethoscope and it is definitely coming from the timing belt or pulleys. I had this same problem on my d16y7, but couldnt trace exactly where the noise was coming from.
at idle the noise is quiet but when giving initial throttle from idle it gets louder... then quieter the higher you rev.
I would say it can best be heard from 1000-2000 rpm

anyone have any insight on what it could be? (any common things)

 

i've heard of people adjusting their timing belt so tight that it whines. was it recently replaced / rebuilt?

otherwise your water & oil pumps are right in that area and you could be hearing a bearing slowly take a dump on you

 

Even the belt tensioner could be making the noise.

 

maybe the belt is to tight or to loose..check the slack on the belt,it may need adjusting,or maybe the belt is old and worn and stretched?

 

yea I think my best bet is just to replace the timing belt. I have no idea if it was done or not. but by lookin at it, it doesnt seem new. and it is very tight not loose at all. so Im just gonna replace it and inspect the idler, waterpump, etc.
thanks for the insight!