I was driving my wifes 2000 Civic DX hatchback today and when i step on the throttle there is a loud ticking noise. It sounds like the rate of the ticking depends on the revs. It doesnt tick when the car is sitting and im reving it not moving at all. Anyone have any idea what it could be?

 

Is the engine misfiring? Is the CEL ON? If not, it may be spark knock caused by bad gas or valve clearance out of spec.

 

There is no misfiring the CEL is not on and I dont think its bad gas cause its been happening for about 4 months and she drives about 40 miles a day. Would I not hear the valve ticking at idle and if you rev the motor standing still? Because if the car is not moving there is no ticking noise at all. Its very noisy so there is no way I would not hear it.