Okay so it got cold out and I'm lazy so I took it to a mechanic. They took a look at the tensioner and claim that it looks and works fine.

If there's an issue with the tensioner, would it be obvious?

 

release the tension with a 1/2" drive extension and ratchet....should spring back into place with some authority...if it's seizing it may not be providing proper tension...

 

The tensioner is definitely very tight. I just checked my records and I actually had it replaced last year (I totally forgot.) The mechanic is blaming it on the smaller pulley and I'm ready to do anything to get rid of it. This weekend I'm just going to try putting the stock pulley back on and hope it works.