Ticking valvetrain noise from fresh engine

cudachris said
Hello, spent some time on the engine but the noise is still there.

Here´s what I did, one step at a time:
-new header gaskets (old ones were fine)
-shimmed the rockers up 0.020" to reduce preload
-checkt the rocker bolts length to make sure they dont bottom out
-made a leakdown test, all cylinders are 90-95%
-checked valve height with a straight edge
-switched all rockers from driver to passenger side

I have been driving approx 150miles with this, it´s neither getting worse nor better.

Everytime I start the (cold) engine, the valvetrain is quiet, but the ticking starts after 50-60 seconds.

The engine is running great, nothing else to complain about.

WTF is this!?!

Thanks
Chris

I see you put the new header gaskets in but are the headers hitting the oil pan and not seating on the head? Did you see any dark spots on the old gaskets? You can try to slide a feeler gauge from the bottom and see if it passes the gasket into the header. Or use a small mirror and put under the exhaust ports at the headers with the motor running to see if the mirror fogs up. Some headers hit the oil pan and don't seal 100% I like to use red RTV on mine to make sure they seal. Good luck