Yeah I was pretty careful to tape off the carb port once I had it on. Maybe it’s more like a knock? Feel like it has something to do with distributor, plugs or carb..
My engine developed a noticeable tick, and I used an engine stethoscope to determine which cylinder. Pulled the valve cover and it turned out to be a polylock on the rocker that loosened up and it was the pushrod rattling.
Sometimes a very small exhaust leak can also sound like a tick. Check the bolts holding the header pipes to the exhaust manifold.