Ticking Time Bomb? Wannabe Singer Sewing Machine?

https://youtube.com/shorts/cOVea6gWxMk?feature=share

Hi all!
I hope you can open this quick video of the ticking VF500F. I started by checking the valve clearances in #1 & #4. While not perfect, they were close. Everything looked OK as I rotated the crank repeatedly.
I put it back together and started it. I drove it down the block and back. Power and response is all there, but it ticks like a sewing machine at all ranges of rpm, loaded or not.
The weird, but useful, oil pressure gauge shows a decent pressure. Oil dipstick reads full.
I put a stethoscope on it, and it sounds like the sound is more in the upper engine case than in the heads.
The engine has visual signs of maltreatment. Gasket goo everywhere. There are signs of trying to stop a cooling leak.
Could this be a loose timing chain?
Thanks, Shawn

 

have you done a hot compression test yet ?

 

No, not yet. I ran out of time today. What kind of numbers will make me happy?

 

a good motor will be between 150 and 165. engine will run ok but lack power at 120. all cylinders should be close to equal. best to partly move radiator to access front plugs.

be sure u hold wideopen throttle when cranking for pressure readings.

 

What does wide open throttle do?

 

it allows cylinders to suck in the maximum amount of air.

 

So....Compressions were mighty low. The two in back were just above 65, the two fronts were 70-ish. I didn't have a chance to drive it around due to weather but warmed it up in the garage. For some reason, I have a headache. Maybe it wasn't quite at operating temperature. Those readings look like cold readings to me.
I also did NOT open the throttle, dangit.
The rides I have had on it did not show me any lack of power at all.
I found a video here on VFR World of a 750 owner with the same issue. Turns out his cam was cupped and causing the ruckus.
That could be the issue...