Does the tensioner pulley attach to the timing chain cover

Hi, this is Bo, an auto expert on RepairPal's Car Genius team! Oh boy, sounds like your tensioner pulley had a meltdown! On your Navigator, the tensioner pulley does not attach directly to the timing chain cover. Instead, it's bolted to the front of the engine, which is usually the timing cover area but not the timing chain cover itself. When the tensioner pulley went rogue and decided to chew through some metal, it's likely it damaged the timing cover. The timing chain cover is a separate component that houses and protects the timing chain. The engine block itself is much tougher and usually not in the direct path of the tensioner pulley. To confirm, you can visually inspect the area. The timing cover is typically made of a thinner metal or sometimes plastic, while the engine block is solid and much thicker. If you're seeing damage to a relatively thin piece of metal, it's probably the timing cover. So, channel your inner detective and give it a good look. If you're still unsure, it might be time to call in a pro. Good luck! If you need more advice, have other questions, or need to find a certified repair shop in your area, just let me know! Call us at 877-913-1554, and we'll gladly find you a certified RepairPal shop in your area!