[NorthernSRX]

Most likely this is a timing chain issue.

This was my supposition as well. That being said, Mr. Upson knows his way around the timing chains on these cars and I don't know of a timing chain condition on these cars that has them making whoopie.

 

[NorthernSRX]

The car has about 120000 on it, I'm not sure if the timing chain is original or if it has been replaced as I'm not the original owner.

You should assume that they weren't changed. Trouble starts to pop up with the chains when these cars hit 100k miles - they just get worn. It's avoidable but barely.