Help: 2004 Montero Limited engine knock or tick? How bad is it it? (Video)

[jfeust]

Any updates on your rig?

So after taking it to a second shop that I trusted, it appears the timing belt slipped, and pistons were hitting valves. They're going to find the exact cause and if any pistons are bent tomorrow. He says he has seen this and have the engine be OK before, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I'll update again once I know for sure.

 

[jfeust]

Well, the Hydraulic Tensioner went bad. It was the original one from the truck, and it should have been changed when the timing belt was done at 90k miles (before I bought it).

Pistons were hitting valves, but luckily no damage was done.

A full timing belt service and I'll be back on the road in a day or two. (YEAH!)

 

[clmrt]

Exactly what happened to me, but they deny any piston-valve interference took place, that the belt never lost time. But without tension, the cams are allowed to take up the slack and thereby lose time themselves whether or not the belt jumps.

 

[jfeust]

Exactly what happened to me, but they deny any piston-valve interference took place, that the belt never lost time. But without tension, the cams are allowed to take up the slack and thereby lose time themselves whether or not the belt jumps.

Was your engine ok?

 

[clmrt]

Purrs like a kitten, but I don't have it back yet. They are going over the transfer case and some other issues.

They say it's fine, it idles smoothly, that's all I know right now.

 

[jfeust]

Just a quick update/correction. Pistons were never hitting valves. The guy said the timing belt got 2 "teeth" off, and needs to go to 6-8 teeth before you get interference.

I got the truck back today and it runs as good as it ever has. I feel like I really dodged a bullet. If anyone is out there with over 100k miles on the hydraulic tensioner, you have a ticking time bomb. Make sure that part is replaced.

 

[Jay Ayala]

That is such great news. Good for you. I agree. You dodged a bullet for sure.