Okay. I have a very annoying noise coming from the engine. Yes, I have used the search function and tried all of the fixes for valvetrain noise. I have adjusted the valves. I have changed the TCT and my oil is full and new. This is a low compression AP1 motor and AP2 head that I have built for my turbo setup, but don't have the turbo yet. The noise is a loud ticking/clacking sound, present at idle and at normal driving. When I go into VTEC, the sound goes away, merely to come right back at lower RPM's and idle. It sounds like a tractor at idle (or diesel). I have performed a compression check and all is normal. I have new spark plugs. I have new injectors that I can hear ticking separately from this sound. The car runs fine and idles normally. I can't imagine a bent valve would allow normal operation.

Please help. I am ready to scrap this head and start over...

 

It sounds like maybe one of the valves has too much lash but I'm not too sure. Try one more time to adjust the valves again to make sure one isnt out quite a bit. Other than that, this seems odd. Could it just be very noisy injectors? Could a rocker pin have fallen out?

 

Ok, rechecked the valves a 3rd time. All within spec. Any other thoughts?

 

How is it low compression?

Aftermarket pistons?

What kind?

 

What injectors are you running ? Could be the cause of the ticking as well

 

Hmm, that leads me to a suggestion. Use a mechanic's stethoscope and find out where the noise is coming from.

BTW, a mechanic's stethoscope is a long piece of metal, like a big screwdriver. Put the metal bit to a metal part of the engine and the handle against or behind your ear. You should be able to locate the sound pretty accurately.

 

Low compression pistons with sleeved block. With a long screwdriver I hear it fairly all over both sides of the valve cover and the intake mani. There really is no difference.

 

I am running ID 1000 injectors. With the screwdriver I can hear those ticking, and its definitely different.

 

First thing that came to mind was Piston slap, wrist pin play. But that would be a bit deeper in the motor, it sounds allot like lifters would, but if you have indeed isolated it to valve cover/intake manifold then it may not be. Using stock rods? Just wondering if everything is sized right/tolerances good.

 

Here is a video...[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVxLFFCCqQ0 [/media]