I'm getting a ticking noise similar to a loose rocker arm from my #1 exhaust. I tighten my arms by running engine, loosening til ticking, then another 1/2 turn. May not be perfect but it works. However I can't get the ticking on that #1 to go away, and I for sure don't want to just crank down on it and run a cam/pushrod/PISTON lol. Could it be a problem with my lifter?

Thanks.

injector, exhaust leak would be a likely cause

Could be a bent pushrod. Or a header leak.

Well I just installed new headers, and it sounds the same. I mean I pull the valve cover off and the sound is coming right from the rocker arm area, not from the headers or anything.

collapsing lifter maybe?

See thats what I thought it might be but i dont know the symptoms/sounds to look for.

And the winner IS!!!................ worn out valve guide!!

If you get a mysterious "clicker" and have checked everything else, pull the valve spring from the offending noise maker and see if you can wiggle the valve stem in it's guide, holding the valve about 1/4" off it's seat. If it's shot it will be obvious- there will be massive play.

Another give-away of this problem is that while you are tightening the rocker adjusting nut to set preload (that 1/2 turn you put in it from zero lash) the clicking will momentarily disappear. Then, after the lifter bleeds down a few seconds later it will return.

To anser your next question: No, I have no idea why one guide will eat itself up while the other 15 are fine. Just seems to happen sometimes.

Another reason to get new heads.....keep 'em coming! haha

When i did my TPI swap, i had to machine the middle intake bolts to match up to my older heads. I had to use longer bolts also. The bolts that i used ended up being too long. One hit a pushrod and bent it, and another was close enough to the pushrod that the pushrod would tap it lightly. I looked and looked for the problem. Right as i was about to start pulling valvesprings, i just happened to shine my flashlight into the lifter valley through the head, and saw the bolts sticking down too far.......