Are you running fully synth or 10W40 oil by any chance??Thanks for this post. I'm experiencing the same problems. I've replaced practically everything possible. I had the engine apart (not becouse of that) and when I put it back together it seemed to me that there was some play. But usually when i assembel other types engines with such play I haven't had this problems. It seems that this is the problem that's been driving me crazy for the last 10,000km. maybe it will also help someone else with ticking noise.