[mgarblik]

Well your eliminating some sources of the noise, so that is good. You could start and run it without a fuel pump and see if the noise changes. (sounds different, goes away or gets louder). That might help you zoom in on the fuel pump drive. if you don't have one, you could make a fuel pump cover out of cardboard for this test. Shouldn't make too much of a mess in 30 seconds. Any way to check if the thrust plate bolts have backed out and are contacting the camshaft sprocket? Not sure if you can see well enough in there. Also, is this a manual or auto trans car?

[Squidward]

Originally Posted by mgarblik

Well your eliminating some sources of the noise, so that is good. You could start and run it without a fuel pump and see if the noise changes. (sounds different, goes away or gets louder). That might help you zoom in on the fuel pump drive. if you don't have one, you could make a fuel pump cover out of cardboard for this test. Shouldn't make too much of a mess in 30 seconds.

Personally, I'm a duct tape guy. Lol.

Good mention about cam thrust plate.