2 weeks ago, I adjusted my valves - and torqued the nuts to 18lbs as per the manual. Attended an autocross the very next day and beat on my car. This past Sunday, I headed to the track and I beat on it again.

As I head home, a new noise developed; a very distinctive "tick" sound coming from the engine bay. I have never heard of the infamous TCT problem until now, and that seems like the most likely culprit.

However, there's a definite 'miss' at idle, and from the youtube videos in Billman's thread here: https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.ph...&f=22&t=468984 it seems like my 'tick' is a much slower pace. No one describes of a 'miss' at idle as well.

Is it possible that the nut on the valve backed out, and if so what damage could have occured? I tried using a poor-man's stethescope (screwdriver handle to ear) but I have been unable to localize the tick. I'll be checking the valves ASAP but time constraints haven't allowed me to yet.

Are there other ways to diagnose whether it's the TCT or the valves w/o removing the valve cover?

Thanks,

-dL

 

You wouldn't be the first to have a rocker arm nut back out after a valve adjustment. I would check that...just pull your cam cover off and see if one is visibly missing or hand tight.

 

only one way to diagnose, pull cover and check your valve adjustment.

 

Any perma damage if it is off or loose?

 

Only if it came off and fell down into the engine...

 

All of them were in - looks like it's the TCT. Thanks guys!

 

I've had this happen on a previous Honda with aboslutely zero damage!

The nut in question now resides on my keyring

 

You, sir, are one lucky man.