ans2k

Does anyone else had more ideas?

zeroptzero

Well the simplest thing would be the valve clearances being too large on one or more valves, that is usually the culprit on a mechanically sound motor. And they are typically only noisy at idle as the noise goes away or gets drowned out at higher engine speeds.

You should confirm that the head gaskets are interchangeable, I don't know if they are or if they aren't but a small change in geometry could affect the timing chain. Just a WAG here.

If you find that everything is up to spec. and you are comfortable that nothing is mechanically wrong you can mask the noise by running a good 5w-40 oil, it should disappear immediately. Amsoil 5w-40 works wonders on my engine, made it quite and smooth as silk, doesn't even sound like a Honda (all Hondas have some ticking at idle) anymore. Cheap and easy experiment.

Fierc3

Check that timing chain..

ans2k

it was due to a broken timing chain guide

Fierc3

can you post some pics of what the broken guide looked like?? please and thank you m8

ans2k

hum. sorry man. i chucked that piece out. it was also caused by a washer being not centered on the cam sprocket. what broke was the tip of guide that was the metal piece holding the plastic piece.

ans2k

i'll try to look for it