So I'm getting this inconsistent rattle (1.6 NA)

[Naturally Aspirated]

So I searched but found no real specific info

I start the car and have this rattle like a loose washer or a metal ended cable boucing around on my valve cover (not actually what is going on but it's what came to mind when i started hearing it)

So, my question is. What could it be?
Alternator tensioner? (i have ac)
is there a baffle/splash guard inside my valve cover that could be loose and bouncing around?

It may help to note that the noise is not at all consistent ever. It's still there and increases in speed when i rev the engine but I can let off the throttle and it stops for a moment then comes back. I originally looked for loose pulleys as this car has the flapping belts (92 jetta) but it seems there is not much play in that alternator pulley. It does move a bit but not much.

Has anyone ever experienced this/know what it may be?

Thanks In advance

PS: I'm new to the site but in no way new to volkswagens FWIW

[tthayer]

Did you check the cam belt tensioner? My timing belt was flapping loudly until I adjusted the tensioner. I stuck an angled pick into one of the holes and used the tensioner's nut as a pivot point to make it tight again.

[Naturally Aspirated]

I will check to see if my belt has a lot of play but would that create a metallic rattle sound?

[Naturally Aspirated]

heres two soundbites (video) of the engine running

listen for the metallinc inconsistent rattle

http://s162.photobucket.com/albums/t274/bluefireracing/?action=view&current=STP61240.flv
http://s162.photobucket.com/albums/t274/bluefireracing/?action=view&current=STP61239.flv

let me know what you think

[Dakotakid]

I can't tell squat from your sound clips.
If this car is a '92, perhaps you have hyd. lifters which are not the healthiest. That could sure be in the way that you describe the coming and going of the sound.

[burn_your_money]

My car makes that sound. It's my alternator bearing. Grab the alt pulley and try and wiggle it up and down. It should be tight with just about no play.

[veedubcanuck]

Also check the Water pump and power steering pump as well. I had a water pump make the same noise and it was wiggling all over... Amazingly it never leaked! From the audio clip it sounds like a bearing somewhere. Just pull your belts and run it. If it's still there then it could be your tensioner. Don't just check to see if the t-belt is loose as the tensioner bearing can still be intact and just starting to fail....