Help needed w/ engine noise (sorry, long)

[pavlo]

So i got this noise commin from the engine, 92 sr20de. I have narrowed it
down
to exhaust side of cylinder #4 (next to distributor) using a ghetto
stethescope (big screwdriver up to the ear). It sounds like a marble slappin
somethin metal. Cant really hear it at idle, gets real noticable between
2000-3000rpm, then other noises begin to obscure it at higher rpms (just the
usual induction howl and so on). Sorta like a sewing machine gone bad, very
regular.
This is different from the irregular rattles i was getting from the pulley
side for a while last year which was fixed by a new timin chain tensioner
(thank you archives)
I pulled the plug wire from that cylinder and ran it at that speed and the
noise is still there (from what ive seen in the sr20de archives this is a
ghetto check for spun bearing) so i assume i should be clear of that known
problem.
Did a compression test, 176, 174, 185 and 170psi cyls 1-4. Im assuming my
combustion chambers seal OK and i dont have a burnt valve.
Recently at the Chicagoland Dyno day it posted a 113hp and change. Thats w/
16-17deg advance, a cheap a$$ car-X muffler (-5hp at least) and tons of slop
from worn motor mounts.
So whaddaya think.
My hope at the moment is a blown lifter or messed rocker (shims maybe).
Lookin
at my Chiltons *flamesuit on*, i can see that replacing any of these
components will require pullin the cams. (Please Geo, cut me some slack i was
planning on gettin a FSM before openning the engine for any reason but all of
this just crept up on me. I WILL be ordering one with any replacement parts i
need.)
I really feel i should at least pop the cover to look, even if i wait till i
have everything i need to do it right before tryin a fix. Maybe pull and soak
the oil spray tube to clean it out just in case that area is not getting oil.
Could this prevent a lifter from pumping up?
I know i should replace the gaskets and am odering them but i may need the
car
Sunday. Ill prolly get some leaks w/ the old gaskets, but can i run it just
for one day like that? Or will i really screw somethin up.
Would anyone from the Chicagoland area be willin to visit and lend a hand,
some moral support and/or some expertise? Saturday or next week?
Also, out of curiosity does anyone in the area have any of these parts lyin
round? I can order them no problem (cash wise) but i am assuming it will take
some time to get here. A quik in and out fix would be perfect, but i will
accept any help whatsoever. I got Speedchannel =D.
TIA

Update. I was on the waiting list for the local BmwCCA AutoX school Sun. Well
now im in, great, but what crappy timin. I really want to pop the valve
cover
and have a look see. Or should i wait till afterwards. Shit i am so torn. Any
advice appreciated (even if ya gotta flame a bit).

Paul Poshyvanyk
92 SE-R; Teddy  Power CommuteR, beater 3er eater (hopefully).
94 530iT&A; Helga  Schleppen Schnell, temporary daily driver.