Let's take some bets. The ole 'Runner has been good to me over the last couple years but it looks like my luck is running thin. I had the timing belt and water pump changed recently by a mechanic "friend" of my dad and the fun hasn't stopped since. In the last couple weeks I have noticed a nice rattle coming from the middle lower part of the motor - right below the plastic cover that covers what I assume is the timing belt. It is bad at idle, worse around 1200, and goes away at speed. Go figure. I'm taking it tomorrow to see what the problem is. Anyone want to place bets on me being nicely disappointed?

 

belt tensioner...

 

crank bolt not tightened properly? Tensioner, idle bearing/pulley? loose cover?

 

$170 later and it turns out a bunch of pulleys were loose. Thanks to the shop in Bama that did my timing belt and water pump for not finishing the job properly. She's running like a champ once again.

Now if only I could sell these Tokicos and get some soft riding shocks to help on these terrible ATL roads.