The 140-170 difference is concerning, but...it should not be the cause of your noise.

I would almost suggest doing it again, just to see if the #'s come up to something more equal. I would squirt some oil in there too, just a bit, to see if that brings the numbers up. Was the engine warm? Not hot, but warm.

Have you looked at the oil? I am wondering if you have some rod bearing problems. That, would be a semi-relatively easy fix. Probably something you can do yourself. It depends upon how bad the damage is, but you might be able to get away with slipping new bearings in.

Good Luck,
Michael