[Cottonmouth]

I am 99.9% sure that your problem is the timing chain tensioner. The dealership is likely playing dumb because it is a pain in the ass to fix. It can be done without removing the engine but I feel that this is the only way to make sure that it is done right.

The 3.3L engines do it all the time. It isn't hurting anything. Just sounds ticky.

 

[Cottonmouth]

Have you done one on the new 3.3L?

 

[Cottonmouth]

Anything that takes more than a couple of hours to me isn't an "easy" job.. LOL