Volkswagen Repair: rattling noise in 30 valve V6, drive belt tensioner, pullys

Question
greetings.

i have a 2001 passat with the 30 valve 2.8 V6. engine has 124,000 miles, had timing belt, drive belt, tensioner, roller, water pump replaced about 3,000 miles ago. engine runs strong and smooth.

this morning after about an 8 mile trip, i heard a fairly loud rattling noise that sounds like it is coming from the top end of the engine.

car did not get hot, smoke, or loose power. will strart right up, idle smoothly. before i start tearing it down, do you have any idea what it might be? as far as i can tell, the timing belt is tight, the drive belt and pullys are fine. i don't think it skipped time, as it run's very smooth.

many thanks, oscar

Answer
Yes, Oscar;
The 2 cam tensioners are not getting enough oil pressure.  Change them both, change the "suction jet pump," and remove , and clean the lower oil pan, and pickup screen.  Then change over to full synthetic oil, and change it often...very often.