so i took the timing cover off (i was searching for a noise and the source of a rattling feeling in the radiator hoses) and i found the tensioner was ded so the belt was just flapping around in there
it didnt make the noise when i bought it. when i got in there the passenger side cam was off four teeth although i never noticed a change in how it ran. has anyone else had these engines run alright while timed wrong? also the engine still has good compression and spins fine so i don't think i munched any valves

heres a video of the tensioner as the engine spins
https://photos.app.goo.gl/a55RyGNJSfDoN6jMA

Last edited by motero; 03/09/22 08:30 PM.
99 Montero....15mpg! Sold (so sad)
02 Jetta TDI....48mpg!
03 2500 Ram QCLB Cummins....18mpg
02 2500 Yukon XL, We out grew the montero, at least it has one locker.....13mpg (sold)
01 montero limited