I don't even want to think about it, I have VCT
Well I'm sure you let the VCT cam gear free wheel on the shaft when doing the timing... And I'm sure you've been threw all the testing that one can do them self on the VCT.. I hate to say it could be looking at the unit it's self but a $$$ part and a nother timing job + the replacement of VCT... You might have to take it to have it checked for sure on what it is, if they are a nice shop, they will understand that you wish to do the work yourself but need to be 100% on what it is.