<VV> LIFTER NOISES MY partial check list

[N2VZD at aol.com]

is the noise from the center of the motor or out by valve covers?   check 
valve train geometry and adjustment carefully.  you can almost see if  valve 
geometry is close by looking at contact area of rocker arm to valve stem.  
otherwise use the checking kit (pain in the butt but..) , especially if heads 
 have been off or using thicker gaskets at base or at heads. it should be  
close to center. look at  wear pattern on rocker arms to valve stem. are  
pushrods in correctly? are the rocker balls getting lubed ok and not  galled?  
if all seem noisy and you are SURE of adjustment , check oil  pressures and 
levels...what kind of oil are you running?
did this come on suddenly . or after some heavy work on the motor? any  
"stuff" showing in the oil?
 (i use a magnet or magnetic dipstick to check) 
after all of this , a different camshaft fixed mine so far!
regards , good luck, tim colson