I've never tried this but......
Possible way to check the rods -
Pull each rod cap (and inspect of course)
Then, immerse the oil pump in a bucket of oil, spin up the distrib shaft, and watch what happens (besides making a mess).
Oil should squirt out the crank at the con rod hole of course.
If it doesn't you can do like Winnie The Pooh and say "Ah_HAH!"
You might need a BIG drip pan under the motor though, never done it so not sure. I'd just inspect all the rod caps first.
I hate noises.
