1998 2.2 sounds like a diesel

1998 Camry sounds like a diesel and poor engine performance. The valves are rattling and when cranking the engine is hard to start. I think the timing has jumped a couple of teeth and that is what is causing all of the problems. Engine has about 150,000 miles and I have no ideal when the timimg belt was last changed. Your thoughts please.
Thank you,
Greg

You may be right. I would change the timing belt as soon as possible.

1998 Camry sounds like a diesel and poor engine performance. The valves are rattling and when cranking the engine is hard to start. I think the timing has jumped a couple of teeth and that is what is causing all of the problems. Engine has about 150,000 miles and I have no ideal when the timimg belt was last changed. Your thoughts please.
Thank you,
Greg

Is that an interference engine? Hope not!

No, it's not. If it was, it would just lock up if the valve timing were off by too much.

It's not an interference engine, checked that first.

Greg

Well, after further inspection, the timing belt is in good shape and does not seem to have skip a tooth or anything. Cranked the engine with the timing cover off and all seems fine there, but the engine is toast. After talking with my son and putting more of the story together, it would appear that he ran the car way to low on oil and told me that he heard it start ticking (in his words) and then stop to put oil in. He said it never stopped and seemed to get worse after that. Damage already done I suspect, so it's decission time as to the fate of the car, I am thinking it's going to make someone a good parts car as the rest of the car is almost perfect. Thanks to all, Greg