faint ticking sounds and very rough idle
 

I have a 91 Accord LX with a stock F22-5spd. about 200,xxx miles i can hear a real faint ticking or tapping sound from under the valve cover. i dont know if the rough idle has anything to do with it. Ive never worked on or owned a F22. i notice alot of CB7's around here idle rough, it idles at about 650-700rpms but it vibrates really bad when i let out of the clutch to get going, almost like im stalling it but then it picks back up.

also just curious if its a "honda thing" for first gear to be a PITA to get into at a stop?

Ticking can mean you need to adjust the valve clearances.

The vibration you describe might be the clutch "chattering". Kinda like "warped" brake rotors, but it's happening on the clutch/flywheel.

Related to the clutch, maybe the clutch is dragging? That'll make it difficult to shift into ANY gear from neutral. If it's easy to shift into first when the engine is off, but difficult when the engine is running, then I'd say the clutch is dragging.

i tried to shift into gears while the motor was off and its about impossible. my shifter is so flimsy i feel like ill break it. but when i use the clutch its like a hot knife through butter. When the car is on and i shift every gear is easy except first, but if i put it in first while rolling to a stop it slips in no problem. as for the valves, what all is needed for such a job. i dont have money for a shop to fix it and almost no tools.

You'll need a set of feeler gauges. Other than that, it's basically normal tools like metric sockets & wrenches.

Measure valve clearance with the engine cold.

You'll probably want a NEW valve cover gasket, because with age & heat yours will be hardened so it won't likely re-seal.

Ok thanks, ill go out and buy a Chiltons and some sockets and stuff and give it a try.