i got a couple trucks cheap for parts,buddy thought the rear main seal was gone in the one with the good motor. i found out it was only the valve cover leaking. the motor runs really well but it has a tapping noise in the top.its definately coming from under the valve cover. it doesnt seem to get any louder with reving it just a steady tap all the time. any ideas?are the valves adjustable on these? i plan on putting the motor in my good pickup if its nothing major.

 

Prob the timing chain tensioner. These engines are always a bit tappy but if it is sounding kind of like a diesel it is the tensioner going. Change it or you will have bigger problems.

 

I had a tapping noise 2 hours latter I figured out that it was a socket that had fallen down near the power steering pulley.

 

i checked the valves today and one needed to be adjusted. still a little noise in it but i dont think its the timing chain tensioner. sounds more at the back of the motor. some of the valves were tight i couldnt get the right feeler guage under them but didnt want to loosen them up. could this cause noise to if they are to tight?

 

i also noitced the 2 hoses going into the valve cover and the whole top of the inside of the valve cover had watery oil on it. is this normal? i have never had any signs of water in the oil or anything just seems to be sitting on the cover and end of the hoses going inot it. jsut want to be sure this motor is good before i put it in my other truck.

 

mine has that moisture too around the oil cap, pcv and breather tube. 1000 miles on rebuilt motor. I guess these motors are prone to that?

 

I've said it before, and will say it again: "meh"... If you have checked everything from the tensioner to the guides, have great oil pressure, and you've adjusted the valves to the tightest end of the specs (~.007 intake, .010-.011 exhaust) and you still get taps from the valves... face up: the rocker arm bushings / rocker shafts are worn. There isn't any amount of adjustment you can make to cause those to go quiet.

 

i was told the specs were 008 intake and 012 exhaust.so should i go to 007 and 010-011?

 

The watery goop is from the PCV system. Fresh air is drawn through the valve cover and fresh air has moisture in it.
As for the tapping...just turn the radio up.