[V8] engine rattle

[Ed Kellock]

So I have a engine rattle.  Timing belt was done 15-20k ago with all
new idlers/rollers, water pump, friction pad, damper, everything.

I've always had a little lifter noise and that's still there.  This is
different.  And it is not directly engine rpm dependent.  It will
increase with rpm, but level out at some point.

I removed the driver's side timing belt cover and the belt looks good
and everything I can access seems tight.  I ran the engine with the
cover off and it does not seem that the noise emanates from under the
passenger side cover.  I removed the serpentine belt and ran the
engine and the noise is still present.

Directionally it seems to be coming from a spot somewhere between the
w/p and the driver's side head.  It really sounds like something that
is actually rattling around.  I'm sure that doesn't necessarily mean
much.

My old w/p had begun to contact the engine block though I was never
able to hear anything, but it was obvious from the w/p impeller
blades.  But the w/p rpm would vary directly relative to the engine
rpm, so I'm doubting the w/p.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Ed