Engine rattle investigation (1 Viewer)

[clx16]

One angle I didn't include.

 

[clx16]

Amazing, this is GOLD. Thank you for posting this @clx16. I was investigating this exact same noise yesterday morning; that kind of irregular, clackety rattle when the engine was cold. Using my stethoscope I was hearing the noise loudest on the timing cover just above the timing marks; I'm sure if moved a little to the right (at the top of the oil pump cover) it would be even louder. You've saved me a lot of time here. Thank you!

Any chance you've been able to put the stethoscope on the oil pump cover and confirm your suspicions? Just wondering how stupid I was for not getting even that narrowed down with the stethoscope when I was failing to hear it.