my engine is makes a loud whirring noise upon start up. it sort of sounds like air swirling but it is very loud. the noise comes form the timing belt side of the engine. the car is a 2000 civic Si with approximately 90k miles on the motor.

the noise is present all the time but gets progressively louder as RPM's increase. when i let go of the gas i can hear the noise sort of winding down as if it were switching to lower gears as the car slows down. i thought that this could be a sign of a fatigued timing belt but the belt appears to be in good shape. the belt has not been replaced yet but will be shortly, but im pretty positive its not the actual belt itself thats causing this noise. any and all help is appreciated.

 

Water pump.

 

timing belt tensioner too tight?

 

tensioner has never been touched in 90k miles

if its the water pump, then that ***** getting replaced soon anyway.