Big Block ticking? Flat tappet cam. Normal?

[George Jets]

Stock VW 1600 cc engines valve lash is set at .004 - .006 ths. Aluminum Heads, solid lifters and adjustable rockers.

 

[Bewy]

If these were all new parts that were just getting aquainted with each other, then stack of tolerances could account for a 3-4 thou change without anything failing. More noticeable with 1.6 rockers.

 

[PRH]

or the fact that cold in January vs June makes a difference

I wouldn’t rule that out.

To see if the lash is holding steady, the before/after checks should be at least at “similar” air/engine temps.