My engine has a pretty loud tapping sound from the passenger side cylinder bank, but only when it is fully warmed up and the oil pressure lowers. It gets louder when the engine is under load, and I'm pretty sure it's a misadjusted rocker arm or collapsed lifter from when I did valve stem seals awhile back. I also put in new stock valve springs. Knowing I did that, if it taps more when hot and is barely audible when the engine is cold, did I tighten a rocker arm nut too much or not enough? Thanks guys.

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1990 IROC 350
Mods: Too busy trying to make it run right to mod it.
Airfoil, Dynomax cat-back, Accel coil, 180 t-stat, Bald Eagle tires,
Hypertech fan switch, Accel 23# injectors, Holley AFPR, ported plenum,
Ruger P95DC, hot wife, new oil filter, thick rubber floormats, no cats.
18.0 @ 85MPH since I'm one big-a$$ MF
"It's better to have and not need than to need and not have."

 

Probably not enough.

Try adjusting the valves hot with the engine running, and see if that straightens it out. Back each one off one at a time until it starts to tick, then tighten it until it just stops; then when you've done all 16 like that, shut the engine off, and go back and put your choice of lifter preload on them all (usually ½ turn or so).

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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."
ICON Motorsports

 

Thanks, RB. I figured the combination of new valve springs that shortened and not enough preload caused the problem. Anyone have an easy hint for getting the passenger side valve cover off in a reasonable amount of time? The transmission dipstick tube was in my way last time and aggravating, and I can't find any bracket that holds it in. Does it just press into the tranny? Thanks.