Name this tick!

[AdamIsAdam]

I tightened all header bolts up against the lock washers. With valve cover off, I cranked the engine and watched the rockers, everything looked ok.

I sprayed soapy water, then I fired it up. The water was gone in seconds. It's ticking away. My stethoscope doesn't tell much. The valves are quiet, fuel pump, water pump, distributor. All quiet. The sound seems to be coming from drivers side front, down low I think.

I took temp readings of exhaust and every cylinder was about the same.

It's possible it still has a header gasket leak, especially if it's from the bottom since I can't get my stethoscope under there. Otherwise, what can it be? Spun bearing? Yuk

Do header gasket leaks go away with increased RPM like mine does? It's been a long time since my last one.

[patrickt]

I'm trying to think of a test you can do that doesn't carry a risk of doing damage, or the risk of screwing something up while you try and figure this out. You could change your oil, look for shiny stuff, maybe even cut the filter open, and if it comes out nice and clean, which I think it will, then just change that side's header gasket. If the oil comes out with a bunch of shiny stuff in it, then there's a problem that will require professional assistance.