BR3ND3L

Just got a 98 Civic EX, 7x,xxx miles on motor, PS removed, AC removed, one of the cleaner civic I've seen. Doesnt leak, doesnt burn, idles perfect. But it sounds like the valvetrain is knocking at half-throttle.

It doesnt do it below 2k rpms, but when I rev the car and shift, you hear it for a split second while shifting gears. And for example if I'm in 3rd going 25 trying to keep speed at half throttle, ill be at around 2300 rpms and I can hear it clear as day. I thought it might have been a lash adjustment so I checked them and they were at what they were supposed to be, but they felt loose. So I tried tightening them and afterwards the car started dying at stop signs. So I knew I tightened them too much.

I readjusted them and the car idles fine again but I still have that ticking at half throttle. I have them adjust at .007 on intake side and .009 on exhaust side. Even when I had it at .005 intake and .007 exhaust it still made the noise. So I'm thinking maybe worn out rocker arms?

Anybody have an idea? I dont feel like its a huge huge deal, more of an annoyance.

Thanks for any input!