'81 cam chain clacking

There is a ticking sound coming from my engine. It speeds up with the revs and I assume it's a loose cam chain.

So I adjusted the tensioner - turned the ignition rotor to "C," loosened the tensioner and then tightened it again... still has the tick.

Any ideas what I need to do? Could the ticking be coming from something different?

 

Could be a sticky valve

You might try using an engine stethoscope to locate the source more accurately.

If you don't have access to a steth, try using a wooden dowel or broom handle.

Press the end of the dowel against the engine where the sound seems to come from, press your ear against the other end, or side if using a broom handle.

Move the dowel/broom handle from place to place. Where the sound is loudest will indicate the likely source

 

Could also be an exhaust leak at the pipe-to-head junction. They often sound like a mechanical "tick" rather than being obviously exhaust.

The best "impromptu stethoscope" is a long screwdriver; jam the end of the handle in your ear and probe away.

 

Thanks guys! I'm at work now and heading to an Air Guitar Championship afterwards (I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried) but I'll use the screwdriver/dowel trick as soon as I'm able.