Could someone tell me if i'm being paranoid?

I've noticed some ticking coming from my engine that has been getting louder over the past 6 months. I have a 2007 s2000 with 51k miles.

I just did a valve adjustment and the noise is still there. I set all exhaust valve clearances to .011 and all intake to .009. Exhaust clearances were close to spec, though most were actually slightly loose at .012 and with cyl 1 at .008. Intake specs were fine before the adjustment (mostly .010).

Before Valve adjustment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjxMOafV_Vw
After valve adjustment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkr6jph1j-E

There's also some brushing/slight scraping noise coming from the pulley area that isn't being picked up by my camera.

Are the engine noises normal and just the injectors getting louder, or could it be something else?

 

Videos are notorious for bad sound reproduction but a common "ticking" sound comes from a worn Timing Chain Tensioner (TCT). There are aftermarket and modified OEM versions that will cure the issue -- if it's the TCT. I'm probably going to replace my TCT as preventive maintenance this summer. Ain't making any noise now but I've rolled over 40K mile and it looks like a simple change with detailed instructions.

-- Chuck

 

I thought about the TCT, but the noises that ive researched doesnt seem to match up to the noise i'm experiencing. Though i'm considering replacing it anyways with Billman's TCT if that may be the issue.

 

Try this video (before and after).

cfs