Can this be bad cam chain tensioners?

[techguy512]

Car is an '01 2.8Q Tip, 131K miles. I've owned it for a month.

Idles beautifully. Silently. Once I get about 30% to 40% into the throttle, there is a distinct, mechanical "whirring" noise, which reminds me of some of the Youtube video I've seen of 1.8T engines with bad chain tensioners.

I'm getting no DTC codes at all related to cam position or cam sensors.

I'm getting set to tear it down for timing belt, water pump, valve cover gaskets, etc. If it's tensioners, I need to break into the piggy bank and do it at the same time.

Am I risking anything by driving it another 4-6 weeks in this condition?

Thanks,
Bob

[Nebone]

Those only make sound at warm engine idle or cold engine start if they are bad (at least on 1.8T)

[A4ringedONE8T]

The chain tensioner is oil pressure driven, more throttle angle = higher oil pressure = more tension on the chain

[audispeed]

could just be the fan. its pretty damn loud.

[Militant-Grunt]

This was the bad cam chain tensioner on my old AEB

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhwS4E9Y-i4

[Stampy]

Yeah the sound goes away at like 2000rpm when its the tensioner.