Had the issue for about a year, now - annoying engine noise. Sometimes it makes me think exhaust gaskets, sometimes I think valves, sometimes I swear the car is possessed by gremlins.
Only factors that I can think of to share that matter would be:
1. You don't hear it all the time.
2. The sound is almost exclusively heard and/or loudest after the engine is warm and has been running awhile.
3. I run 20/50 oil, the engine has 53,000 miles, and as far as I and my mechanic are aware, has no major problems (doesn't burn oil, doesn't stall, nothing).
4. The car runs just fine - accelerates well, doesn't miss, no problems I can detect.
5. Car had been running for about 20 minutes before video was taken, so it was warm. Car had a heating problem about a year ago, but ever since, has run very cool (had a problem with my fans, but fixed it), so the engine was not over-heating in this video or even close to it.
Any input welcome; I'm mechanically fairly sound in my knowledge of cars, but distinguishing various issues by ear alone isn't my strength - I don't have any true mechanical training.
Thanks for any input, gents. I think the noise is most noticeable around the 16 or 17 second mark, but the whole video is only about 30 seconds, so give 'er a go.
Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjGFrtZgReQ