So today I adjusted my valves to .008 and .012 cold (as per DOA's instructions for my camshaft). I had to tighten every valve, as they were probably around .012 and 0.17 on average before I touched them. I figured it would quiet my engine down quite a bit.

Bolted her back up, fired her up, and the ticking is noticeably louder. They aren't too bad at idle, but with a little throttle they sure clatter their little hearts out.

Anyone else get this?

 

Did you adjust the valves while the engine was cold? They're supposed to be done with it at "normal operating temperature". There's a simple conversion for doing the valves cold, but I don't remember what it is. Perhaps somebody else knows?

 

supposedly you go .001 smaller when cold, but trust me do it when you're warm. there are also recomendations that you go with a little smaller than that anyway. do a search there are a bunch of threads on this topic with a lot of information

 

I've read most of the threads. The manufacturer of my camshaft states ".008 and .012 cold". I plan on checking them again this weekend, but I'm pretty sure they're a lot closer to spec than they were before.

And they're a lot louder now. What gives?

 

loosen the valve cover nuts w/ the engine running untell the noise goes away. the rockers are hitting the cover!!!

 

I only torqued them down to 4-5ft/lbs as per specifications. I will try that though.

 

I'm sure you checked, but I'll mention it anyways ... Make sure your oil isn't low.

 

Yep, oil was changed this week.

 

Here are a few pics I snapped. Does anything look out of the ordinary to you?
I think the timing chain guides looked OK.

 

grab the top of the driver's side guide and try and wiggle it. if it moves you've got trouble. it generally snaps between the two bolts.
this was mine: http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/e...chaincrack.jpg

 

Sometimes the rocker arm adjuster screws become worn and cause valve train noise. How many miles are on the engine?