Ok, I need advice here. I have a stock 91 CRX Si with 165,000 miles on the engine. I did the valves two days ago. I set them just a bit closer than spec, I went .006 intake, and .008 exhaust. Anyway...

I did the valve job, ran it, tracked down 8 of the valves that had to be re-adjusted, ran it again, everything was whisper quiet...BUT...

My car has had this VERY noticable ticking sound ever since I can remember. I am absolutely sure it's not valve noise now. I've heard the following ideas... noisy fuel injector(s), sticking valve guide(s), predetonation...

I know its not predetonation, simply becuz I've been running 89 octane fuel for the past year, it's bone stock, and the timing is set right to spec. I'm hoping it's not a sticking valve guide, cuz I can't afford to do valve guides. Any ideas?? The noise is always there, but much more apparent after the engine is hot, and it sounds like just one cylinder is making the noise. It changes speed with the rpm, and doesn't seem to care if the engine is under load or not. Ideas?? thanks guys

 

it's possible that your spark plug wire is grounding out... if i take a spark plug wire off the plug on my car it makes a noticable ticking sound as a spark jumps from the boot to the valve cover. i didn't know what it was and it had stumped me for months, until i did it at night and saw the spark.

 

That's a really good idea, I never thought to check that. I use a set of Accell 8mm wires, they're about 6 months old. I'll have to check for that. You said I just run the car at night and watch for any sparks jumping to the valve cover?

 

Also check your pulleys, when my idler bearing pulley went out it clicked like hell for a month, then seized.

 

Check if your timing belt is loose. If it is then is your tensioner.
javier