Loud Engine Ticking Noise

I recently bought an '02 VFR800. It has pretty high mileage ~97k, but when I bought it, there was no tick or anything at all. Recently, it's developed this loud tick coming from the front. I'm not sure what it is, and I'm trying to narrow down my possibilities before I drop money and time and parts and repairs. I've also noticed that since the ticking sound started, when the bike reaches operating temp and I take it out, the VTEC doesn't kick in until I go up and down past ~6800 RPM a few times. I haven't driven the bike for a week or 2 now, I'm afraid that the tick could damage the engine beyond repair. Here's what the tick sounds like: https://youtube.com/shorts/4I4JgoAzbrQ?feature=share
I can't figure out how to insert videos. If that doesn't work this is the YT channel: http://www.youtube.com/@SDVids23

 

Its really hard to diagnose odd noises but that does not sound like a camchain tensioner, more like an exhaust leak or similar. Check the exhaust studs are tight, and also the PAIR valve ports on the cylinder head are sealed, as if these leak, they sound a bit like what you have.

VTEC valves are opened by oil pressure controlled by a solenoid, if there is low oil pressure then I guess you'd have no VTEC but also bigger issues. Does the oil pressure light go out immediately after starting and stay out?

Have you ever checked the valve clearance? My VTEC only has 50000 miles but some of the VTEC valves had very little clearance.

 

The oil pressure light goes out immediately once the bike is on, and the light stays off. I bought the bike beginning of september, and I haven't checked the valves yet. The bike had/has some minor cosmetic issues, and I've been preparing it to have it safety certified, hence why I don't take it out often. I'm planning to inspect the valves sometime before winter, I would do it sooner but time is an issue. Would valves out of correct clearance make tick noises like that?

 

Clearances will decrease as the valve recedes into the head and make less of a tick; not like say a pushrod engine where clearances increase and ticking starts. But if the clearances decrease to 0 when hot, the valve can no longer close fully and the valve can burn out. A compression test would be a quick check on engine health/valve sealing.

Your oil pressure sounds good.

 

Okay, thank you so much for your help.

 

if you can closely identify where the noise is loudest, that could help find the source and cause.