A perfect tensioner will make a racket if the shock or shock bushings are bad, if the idler or idler bearing is bad or if one of the belt driven accessories is binding.
OR if the main crank pulley is starting to come loose. Happened to our SDL, and made quite a racket with the (relatively) new tensioner. Later, both the 'new' tensioner bearing was shot, and the tensioner spring broke. No doubt to the heavy workout both got while the crank pulley condition remained undiagnosed. -- Jim
