I have a 2001 Outback LL Bean H-6 which I just bought used at 81,000 miles. A few days after purchase the cam chain tensioner WAS making the noise. Thankfully, the dealer did repair it under my 1 month, 1 thousand mile warrantee all at no charge! At least a 1 1/2 day job the dealer tells me. There was a long parts list involved though I don't know what it would cost. I told them to replace the water pump as preventive maintenance as long as all was apart since I figured it would be small potato's labor wise to do so. Well, they didn't replace it. I was told there was much more involved for the water pump. Much more engine disasembly involved if not engine removial! Tell me it isn't so. I pray I don't EVER have to replace the water pump.

if you want to be scared, go to the parts department and let them show you in an exploded view of where it is. i couldnt find any picture on the net of it. i did see that your like #4 with a tensioner problem. 4 doesnt make a trend but ...

 

nipper