I have a 2002 Odyssey EX that is approaching 60,000 miles. When we
started it up the day before yesterday in the garage we noticed what
sounded like a whining sound coming from the engine compartment. The
vehicle is kept in a heated garage (55 deg F). It is not extremely
loud, but is most noticeable when the engine is revved and is
decelerating to idle from about 1800 RPM.

My fist thought was that it sounded like a power steering pump that is
low on fluid. Fluid level was fine. Using a stethoscope could not
hear any abnormal noise from pump.

Could also not hear any abnormal noise from alternator or A/C
compressor. Cycled compressor on and off with no change.

It's difficult to actually pinpoint source of noise, but it sort of
sounds to me like it is lower in the engine or possibly transmission.
Noise level seems to be the same on either the driver or passenger
side of engine.

Engine oil and transmission fluid were both very clean and at correct
levels.

Entire vehicle has been serviced at all recommended intervals by the
dealer. Dealer offered a 100K drivetrain warranty if all service was
performed by them at recommended intervals.The timing belt tensioner
TSB was done the first week of November.

I called the dealer on Saturday and was instructed to bring it in.
The van drove fine, but I can still hear the noise when in gear or in
neutral. When I dropped it off, the people that checked it in did not
think anything sounded abnormal. I asked them to have the mechanic do
a side by side comparison with another Odyssey when they actually have
the mechanics look at it during the week.

A couple of questions I have is:

1.) Is it possible that something associated with the belt tensioner
TSB work could be causing this noise?

2.) Is it possible that a bearing in the transmission could be on the
verge of failing?

I guess I'm just curious if anyone has had a similar experience.

Thanks in advance.

Craig Harris
ccharris@earthlink.net