I have searched for days and days on HT, misc accord forums and still cannot find the answer to my problem. Any ideas? Here is the symptom.

- A very strange ticking noise coming from around the camshaft area. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact location! I have ran a series of diagnostics including - testing to see if it is a rod knock - replaced all 4 LMAs with upgraded spring type - adjusted valves - confirmed that no exhaust is leaking from anywhere - Confirmed it was not AC, PS, or Alternator bearing failure - Disabled balance shafts - Wiggled rocker arms - Ran Sea Foam through the engine. Now I'm completely lost .
The sound is consistent with RPM and only seems to go away under a heavy load. I have had two D series engines (Both with Vtec) that had this exact same issue, only not nearly as pronounced. You can distinctly hear this sound over anything else while driving. I'm starting to think that it is for sure something that has gone out of spec in the valve train, and before I go replacing random parts I would love to hear from anyone who has had this issue or knows what it is.

I noticed that something everyone with this issue was lacking was a sound file/video. Hopefully this will help others out there with this same problem!

Thanks in advance.

 

There are two conditions that can cause this;
1) Injector noisy or
2) The TSB Honda issued for the F22bx series for a value tick noise. I'll see if I can scare it up for you.
It involves (if I remember correctly) replacing two rocker assemblies and a cam retainer. I'm not sure about the shaft (however)

P

 

I put a stethoscope to the injectors and they sound pretty quiet. I think you may be on to something on that TSB. Thanks for the quick response.

 

Honda tech Bulletin 98-009
covers '95 thru '97 F22 accord engines, but could still be applicable here.

P

 

In response to the TSB. I found the official Honda TSB and concluded that it only applies to the DX and LX Honda Accord.

 

True, but the condition discribed could still be present.
At the very least, a trip into Valve Lash country might be beneficial...

I've often used a rubber hose as a stethescope to locate noises such as this.
it might be a useful technique.

P

 

Well, I opened up the valve cover and checked everything. Its all pretty much tip top. Another procedure I did included running the engine with the valve cover off to diagnose the noise. I found that the noise is coming from lower in the engine and not in the valve train. I'm doing a timing belt, tensioner, and water pump next week...we will see what happens.