I've seemed to develop a ticking/knocking noise on my 98 2500 ext cab and I've been wondering if it is even possible for a rocker arm to come loose after so long? Or need to be retorqued after a "breaking in"?

This is a new engine I dropped in back in February it has about 8500 miles.. I'm not positive it is in the engine I did previously have a small exhaust leak on the driver's side from when the new cat was installed but this doesn't sound like an exhaust leak to me but like I said it was on the driver's side now the problem can be heard on both sides

Any input would be appreciated, oil/ oil level is all good definitely not my issue
https://youtu.be/rSDH6BoSU2o.the link to what it sorta sounds like (not my actual truck)

 

New as in new used or new as in rebuilt? When did it start?

 

New as in I bought a reman engine an sent my old one back. It started about 4 days ago.

Other peoples advice say that maybe everything has finally seated an that the rockers need to be retorqued, that just doesn't make since to me.. You don't retorque them after you buy it brand new so why would ya

 

Hard to say if it's lifters or a rod without hearing it. Usually you can hear a rod knock if you listen under the truck and lifters up top. What kind of oil are you using and what is the pressure like?

 

Well feeling pretty stupid right now, the problem turned out that all 6 of my passenger side exhaust manifold bolts were loose. Which is a relief