lifter noise

[IMNCARN82]

I'll check the headers,But I highly doubt that's it. I mean,I wish that was it.  There is a big difference between a header tic and a lifter tic to me.But my hearing isn't like most peoples. It's the worst on start up cold. After 5 minutes it quiets up,But I can still hear it. Maybe it's because I'm listening for it now though.    Do roller rockers make a different sound than factory ones?  Thanx.

[Oldschool]

I have had header leaks that sounded exactly like a valve/lifter noise. After checking everything in the valvetrain and ruling out valvetrain noise, I changed header gaskets and it quieted down. I would have sworn it was valve/lifter noise. Those small header leaks can be pesky little things that are often misleading to diagnose.

[mojavered]

Use a stethoscope around the heads, etc...  This may help you pin point the problem.

[Roppa440]

95% of lifter noise turns out to be a header gasket leak. They sound exactly the same. Though on some engines (like a Lotus I looked at for a friend) it can sound a bit like a rod bearing.

In the other 5% of cases it is down to;

Not following the correct proceedure when adjusting lifters with adjustble rocker arms.
Low oil pressure.
Worn or faulty lifter.
Wiped cam lobe.

My money (same as some of the other guys here) is on the header gasket. Unless you have great quality headers they will leak like that for sure.

[moper]

What camshaft is in it? What lifter? What rocker? What valve cover? With 10K miles the cam's fine. Sounds like the preload might be a little off but until we know more you really are kind of shooting in the dark.

[IMNCARN82]

What camshaft is in it? What lifter? What rocker? What valve cover? With 10K miles the cam's fine. Sounds like the preload might be a little off but until we know more you really are kind of shooting in the dark.

Not sure on exact cam.measured .474 , comp lifters, comp roller rockers. Fabbed VC's from mancini.This engine was assembled by an extremely knowledgeable mopar mechanic of 30 + yrs. His hearing is off. Mine is too good. I just got back from some testing... You guys have convinced me to try for exhaust leaks. It's where I touched it last.Not him.I even had him re-set the rockers for me awhile ago.It isn't real bad and comes and goes. I would like a bigger cam,He said build a bigger engine.But he is a RB drag guy from forever ago.   I did spy that rocker torque wrench in jegs. I'm just afraid to try I guess. Wish I knew more. Thanks for all the great advice. Driving it around felt so good tonight. Had a blast!

[IMNCARN82]

You said it is only coming from one side, sorry if I missed what side.  Is it possible that it may be your fuel pump rod, assuming you have a mechanical one?

Ding,Ding!!   Yup. It wuz the fuel pump.  I put in a HV Carter during the rebuild..It was noisy. Plus it was giving it too much fuel IMO. Now it's quieter,I can still hear it but it's better. There was quite a difference between the factory FP and the Carter. Fuel pressure was also too high IMO. Now it's down around 7-9 er so.  And when I really get on it there's less hesitation,Hickup. Also no noise on start up too!