after getting everything apart, i found out the reason it started making noise is because the stupid "new" auto tensioner was shot. i could compress the plunger rod by hand and all this crazy oil type fluid was coming out the side when i pushed it in. oh well. got it returned and got a new one from napa. it looks more oem. everything is back to normal and it is running like a champ. i love my car again!!! i am just glad it wasnt installation error on my part that made it mess up, just faulty parts.

___________________________________________