2003 Montero Limited 3.8L 24-valve motor. Synopsis of problem is it appears my timing belt is off by one tooth on the Driver Side cam, so I have to remove and resinstall it properly and also torque the adjustable tensioner pulley correctly.

But anyways, I got the crank pulley back on/torqued and when I manually turned it over 4-5 times to check timing it was off. The Lower timing (on crank pulley) and Left Side cam timing marks are in sync, but it's obvious the Driver Side Cam timing pulley is one tooth off.

1. What is the proper procedure to remedy this? Is it remove belt completely, turn the Driver Side cam pulley one tooth in right direction, and then start rehanging the belt keeping it all in check? Is it the same pulley/idler install procedures (and pulley/idler order) as the 3.5L motor?

2. What or where can I find the Tensioner Pulley setting procedures regarding the little 2-pronged tool I bought? I'm not sure if it's exact same procedures as 2002 3.5L model directions. The 2002 3.5L procedures say to torque Tensioner Pulley clockwise to 39 in-lb and then tighten the Tensioner Pulley Center Bolt to 35 ft-lb.

Thanks for assist! Any guidance appreciated. I'm stuck.

Have you looked at the procedure as outlined in the FSM?

Yes. I follow the manual with help of my more experienced friendly mechanic and we found it one-half (1/2) tooth off on one SOHC (originally the driver side Cam sprocket). We turned it about 26 times checking each time and same thing, but the 'off' Cam would flip flop on every other turn.

With the original belt it would turn and be 'on time' on one or the other Cam Sprocket, and always 'on' with the Crankshaft.

Removed old belt and reinstalled and still the same! It ran just fine like that. So my guess is the timing marks may be a little off? What do you think?

Well it runs fine so I'm freakn glad. I think my unit has a flaw in the timing notches. About a half a tooth. Did it three times and that was enough. Purrs like an underpowered heavy family wagon again.

I have four Monteros and two more need timing kit packages. I'm glad I bought the double-pin tensioner pulley tool...best one I saw was on eBay, hardened steel, USA made, $20 delivered.

Does anyone have a source for a good Crank Sprocket special tool? I used a homemade tool that was not ideal...a short breaker bar that had a welded spot on it to brace against the inside of crank pulley as I torqued it. I have to get a better sprocket tool, and I'm not sure if a cam tool exists for a SOHC.

Any other special tools that come in handy for top end motor work?