I have valve noise which has progressively gotten worse and now sounds like "a singer sewing machine running on low", quoting someone on another Honda forum describing what VTC Actuator problems sound like. My 2009 Fit has no VTC Actuator for the VTEC, but uses a "Valve Spool" mounted on the outside of the head instead? If I don't have a VTC Actuator mounted on the cam sprocket, does anyone know what the cause of this now fairly loud noise is? A failed timing chain tensioner + slack in the timing chain can apparently make similar noises as the chain slaps against the guides. The noise occurs while idling and driving, and is somewhat intermittent.

 

Have you checked valve clearance lately?

 

It's not the serpentine belt tensioner? They make a kind of distinct noise, but they can certainly be noisy. Take the belt off and run it and see if it goes away. I know I got to replace the one on my mom's Fit.

 

I adjusted the valve clearance, but it made no improvement. It has a chain, not a belt. I'm thinking rocker arm to rocker arm shaft clearance being out of tolerance or timing chain may be the possible causes.

 

I know the car has a chain... but there is still a serpentine belt that runs all the accessories... accessory / tensioner noise can be mistaken for engine noise, and it's good and easy to eliminate them for diagnosis