Valve train noise ? xj700 X

Hi

I have an irritating ticking noise coming from the left hand side of my engine, it appears to becoming from cylinder 1 location and sounds like the valve gap is way to big, hence the loud ticking noise that follows the engine rpm. It is definately a mechanical noise, not a 'leaking' noise. I have just done all my valve clearances - very carefully - so i know they are all in spec , but this noise persists. The noise was present before i done the valve clearances, so i now can elimenate that as the cause.
I also rigged up an external fuel supply to bypass the petcock, and still i get the ticking noise - really pissing me off -, hoping some one may be able to suggest a solution.
Thanks

Mike
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85 xj700 maxim X

 

An exhaust headpipe gasket leak will invariably sound mechanical. Don't rule out an exhaust leak because it "sounds mechanical" you'd be surprised.

 

20-50 oil