Tappet Noise I think

[dlrogers]

Hi. Driving home the other day we started hearing a 'clatter' type sound coming from (I think) right bank by the firewall. I was worried it might be piston or ring malfunction but I think it's more likely to be the tappet (hoping). I checked the oil level and noticed it was just below the 'Add Oil' mark. Once I added oil, and after a short run the noise abated but came back again later on. Over the next few short trips the noise disappeared but today it has come back. Oil leavel is noe actually just a bit higher than the 'Full' mark. Oil pressure is good and temp is normal. Performance has not been affected (she's still a little ripper). Any suggestions or hints would be appreciated. I guess the next stepis to take rocker cover off and see if I can diagnose which cylinder it's coming from. Thanks 

[Chryco Psycho]

are you sure it is not an exhaust leak

[the_engineers]

Tighten your header bolts.

[dlrogers]

Yep, thanks for that - I already checked the 'external' possibilities and am pretty sure its a moving part. What other possibilities might there be?
 

[the_engineers]

Loose lash on a rocker?

[dlrogers]

Is there an adjuster on the rockers?

[the_engineers]

If yours are adjustable...

[dlrogers]

Ahh... I see. Time to take the cover off - I'm a procrastinator and was trying to avoid that job. I guess I'll get to it and report back when done.

[dlrogers]

OK, not adjustable. I did notice there is some degree of sideways movement in the rockers but I guess that's normal if not under load? Noise still seems to be coming from that general area described but I couldn't feel anything untoward. It was significantly more noisy as she fired up and quitened a bit when she settled into ilde. I must say it's nerve wracking having the open head with those headers so handy

[Chryco Psycho]

well you can pull out each tappet with a strong magnet without removing the intake & have a look
 Exhaust leaks sound very mechanical , are you SURE it is not an exhaust leak

[dlrogers]

Hmm, I've found quite a lot of flaking paint (or something like it) sitting on spring retainer washers and also bubbling up off the top of the head. Looks like someone has put a coating on there before putting the rocker assembly in place - is that normal? Maybe some loose paint has gotten into the lifter area somehow? I wonder if i should remove the lifters carefully and clean them ?? I have heard its important to make sure they go back in the same place?

[dlrogers]

Yep I'm pretty sure, but not 100%. I will check again though - thanks

[Topcat]

A mechanics stethiscope will help isolate what it might be.

[Chryco Psycho]

Red Glyptol paint was often used in engines , I have always seen it flake off with the potential to plug oil pick up screens & penetrate the oil system so I have never used it

[dlrogers]

Its pretty weird, there's even something flaking off the washer on top of one of the valve springs (in the suspect area where the noise is)  - if I didn't know better I would say it's chrome but it's not quite shiny enough.