I replaced my valve stem seals, replaced all the lash adjusters with new ones, bled then with diesel fuel as the manual states, and it still misfires, runs rough, stalls when I stop, and the tapping - we'll, I'm afraid I've bent a valve. I did replace wires, plugs, timing belt, water pump, etc. I also cleaned the throttle body and plenum. They were coated with a black, gritty substance, that was wet, not dry. That was before I got into it. Any expert advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

Oh, It's a 2001 Montero Sport with a 3.0 engine

 

Update: I pulled the heads, and had them vacuum tested. The valves need cleaning and lapping, but the engine guy who tested the valves said it's probably a stuck ring.

 

i have never heard a Loud tapping with a stuck ring....................

 

Something either fell into the cylinder or part of the plug broke off and banged up the piston and the cylinder. I had all the openings covered with rags, but something must have fallen in. I found something about the size of two BB's in there. The engine guy said I probably have a pinched ring from debris. He recommends I replace the no. 6 piston, all the rings, and the rod bearings. I don't think I can get to the main and thrust bearings with the block still in the truck. My concern is I'll have new rod bearings and 300k on the main and thrust. I'm thinking I should just pull the block and rebuild the lower end too while I've got the heads off.

 

haul the engine out and rebuild it.
better to do it once, top to bottom, than have to do the top now and the bottom later.