Just recently my vr6 is making A whining noise- almost identical to a blower.
I have located the noise to be around the right side of the engine (transmission side)
sounds like its coming from the Axillary water pump or timing chain area.
Its gets progressively louder with revs.
it is not coming from the Alternator/ Belt tensioner. (right side)
Nor does it go away when you put the clutch in or out- throw bearing. (whole new sach clutch kit was installed 3000km ago.
Ive only noticed it the last few days.

I have had the top end of the engine rebuilt- we checked the timing chains- and it looked fine! visually no mark or burrs on the sprockets or on the rolling surface of the chains. and the tension seemed tight.

The engine used to make this noise or similar when very cold. but it would disappear. Whether or not it was the same at this noise... could have been from the left side of the engine (belts, alternator/tensioner etc)... not to sure- never bothered me enough because it was gone in a few minutes at most.

Also this noise doesn't chain if its in gear.

The Timing chain guides had grooves in them and the top guide had a break on the mounting point- either broke from age or someone over tightened the bolt causing a break in the plastic. anyway the function of the tensioner was good... well at-least it seemed that way.

Anyway need HELP, need to know the severity of this problem and how to fix it.

Any help is greatly appreciated- ive tried to logically rule out as many factors as possible but im not a professional.

cheers Matt