Still at this knocking/tapping noise (ticking is the vacuum pump btw), if I drive the car hard the noise go away for about 2 minutes while idling and comes back gradually. It's an n12 with 160k miles, new timing chain and guides, new drive belt, new water pump pulley and friction wheel. Car is full with fresh 5w-30 oil. Sounds like it's coming from the top end (not sure because I can't hear anything at the oil pan), but I cannot pin point it with a stethoscope. Car drives really well otherwise. Is it safe to drive? Anyone know what I can look at?

video of noise:

https://youtube.com/shorts/_U3xvik2HW8?si=DunhEc4tECAYuAkS

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Wow ... hard to tell from the video where that noise is coming from. When you changed the timing chain, did you change the tensioner too?

Is the check engine light on?

Have you tested to see what the oil pressure is?

Another thing you could try is to remove the serpentine belt and start the engine to see if the noise goes away; that would rule out any of the rotating components like the alternator, AC compressor, water pump, friction wheel etc.

 

No cel, everything timing related is new besides the vvt sprockets. Ran the car without the belt and she still is tapping away. I do plan on checking the oil pressure tho. Think it’s a rocker or a lifter.

 

I ran into this a couple months ago. I had a knocking sound once in awhile and I removed the serpentine belt and started the car, the noise was gone.
after more looking around I found out the friction wheel can make a knocking noise. I changed it and there is no more knocking sound.
this was an easy check that helped to isolate the noise.