I know how much we all hate trying to diagnose engine sounds but I feel that others may have the same problem. I'm getting a strange sound from the engine area and it comes on only after 3K RPM. The sound is like a quick ticking sound which eventually fades away when VTEC is engaged - I think the vtech note masks the strange sound but is hard to tell.

Another way of describing the sound is a hand-held fan coming into contact with paper, but not as loud.

can anyone shed some light?

 

valvetrain noise? does it speed up as engine speed increases?

 

Yes, that is exactly what happens.

 

S2k Bryan - can you tell me more about the valve train

 

Depending on how bad it is ticking, you may want to get the valve lash adjusted. If the valve lash is set to tight you could be burning a valve because it is not seating correctly (in this case you probably wouldnt hear the ticking). On the other hand if it is too loose it wont open for the proper "duration" of time. You could notice loss of power and if bad enough bad gas mileage.
Im not saying that is what it is, but from what you have posted it seems valve lash could be the cause.
Take it into a good dealer and they will be able to help you out better.
good luck

 

cam chain tensioner! i have the same issue. especially by your description, can almost garuntee its the tensioner, probably sounds like a card in bicycle spokes, right? mine started getting really bad right before i left for deployment, but when i get back i'm replacing it.