Grinding, " diesel " noise under valve covers

Just got back from a Friend's place. Borrowed a stethoscope and a endoscopic gimmick w/ a side scope. Gonna warm her up and listen after pump goes back on. Getting dark though. May get some lights.. did the screwdriver in timing cover, all is tight there.. except fuel pump. Now I'm second guessing myself. Was the fuel pump the noise? And I'm a hearing rockers rubbing now? Or did nothing change?

Run it without the fuel pump.
Cover the hole with cardboard and bolts just to keep chain oil spray in.. it will run on the fuel bowls for a min which is enough time to tell it's not the fuel pump.