Alright, replaced the lifters. Not a bad job. First time replacing lifters. Went off without a hitch and was kinda fun. But, it didn't fix the ticking. It's a little (very little) better. So lifters probably weren't the problem. Still getting a ticking from the front of the passenger valve cover. Same RPM range 2200-2900. ran a can of Rislone 7-10 oil thickener. Was a little quieter for a few hundred miles. Seems like with the cool weather that it's almost to thick in my motor. Seems to be struggling on some hills.... Want to take it out.

The only thing replaced before the lifters was the heads. All the pushrods and rockers went back in the original locations. They all looked good. Nothing bent and no visable wear. Could it be a bad grind on a valve? If it was shorter the pushrod would have some slop and cause the tick, correct? How do you check for play in a pushrod?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks again for all the input.

 

Sorry the fundamental question, but did you soak the lifters in oil for 24 hours? I have seen that as prudent step or is it not?

I'm about to replace mine, so.... lol

 

No you are not to soak the lifter's for 24hr just a light coat of oil on them before you install them, I put all my lifters in at once then pour 1 liter of oil all over them. They will pump up or load themselves once the truck is running. See 2001 fsm chapter 9 page 1243.

 

I would replace the maniflod gaskets and use new bolts maybe check the ypipe for leaks I'm having the same problem

 

Can I ask if you have aftermarket heads?

 

Yes, they are Odessa after market heads.

I have new intake manifold and exhaust gaskets. Both torqued to spec.

The sould is definately coming from under the valve cover. I can pinpoint it to the front half of the passenger side cover. Since the ticking wasn't there before the new heads I have ruled out the cam. Otherwise the ticking should have been there before the head replacement.

If the casting on the head is off the rocker may be sitting higher causing a gap at the pushrod. The whole head could be thicker at the front of the casting causing the front passenger pushrods to have a gap and get wider going forward.

I'm just trying to think of options or other tests to maybe confirm the problem before tearing the head off again and that not being the issue. I have heard of removing the valve cover and fire the engine, putting your finger carefully on the rocker to see which one is making the noise.......

 

Here is what i have read on other boards, it may not be your issue but:

I have read reports of these grad having bad valve guilds from the get go. Replacing them with higher quality brass valve guides had worked for a few of the guys experiencing this issue.

My truck ticks too, and i believe this may be the issue.

 

Why not take it to a mechanic and see what he thinks? Kinda like a second opinion. Maybe he will have had this problem before and know what it is.

Someone You Trust that is

 

Start the engine, let it warm up, so it starts ticking nicely. Disconnect one plug wire at a time, when you pull a wire, and the tick goes away, that's the cylinder you are going to be concerned with. Shut off the engine, let it cool for a bit, then, pull the valve cover on the side in question. Roll the engine over until both valves on that cylinder are closed. See if you can wiggle the rocker arms..... and make sure they are torqued to spec.