So I just dropped a 96 b18b1 into my 98 ex, and there is a horrible ticking noise that coming from the some where on the water pump side of the motor, but it goes away once it gets up to temp. At first I thought it was just cause I needed a valve adjustment, but I did that and it wasn't it. The only things I can think it might be are the water pump (can't remember if it's a Honda oem one or a cheap schucks one), tensioner pulley or crankshaft positioning sensor. Any ideas on what it might be?

 

If it's not the valves then use an automotive stethoscope or a long flat head screw driver against your ear and see if you can pinpoint where it's coming from.

 

It was the timing belt tensioner making the noise, and I seems it was making my timing belt walk. Thanks man