[Driver_WT]

Originally Posted by DransportGarage

I really hate to be the bearer of bad news, but...

My guess is, the same brain surgeon that forgot the converter bolts didn't tighten the three timing sprocket bolts...and you can assume he's the same guy that did the rest of the engine. It's time for a full engine disassembly and inspection. At a minimum you'll be finding circular score marks on the inside of the timing chain cover, or something similar. To make yourself feel better about all of the work, check the torque specs on the bolts. They're probably all over the place. Leave the heads together, don't take the pistons off of the rods and leave the freeze plugs in unless you find something screwy or you decide to have the castings hot-tanked.

There's plenty of YouTube on the assembly (e.g., https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmIslf3ANTs), but if you're not comfortable with this level of work, do the disassembly yourself. Keep track of the location of EVERY push rod, lifter, piston, etc. Clean everything, then buy some steaks and invite a knowledgeable friend over for a Saturday of fun. Keep the beer in the fridge until your done. (Man, I wish I lived closer. I like mine medium-rare...)

Don't rent the tools until you find out what your friend will bring. Then go to AutoZone and they will lend you most of what you need for free.

Great advice. If you find two things that were not done right, there are bound to be many more. And if for nothing else, it will provide peace of mind and confidence that you know what you have after the engine has been gone through.