The top of my engine'* always had a little ticking to it, especially since my UIM failure a few years ago. But since my last oil change, when I took out the winter 5W30 and put in the recommended 10W30, it'* gotten a bit louder. The ticking seems to vary with RPM, and sounds like it'* coming from the rear valve cover (but I can't really tell).

Car drives just fine. No check engine lights. Kicks *** on I-95 during rush hour when everyone'* going 80 mph in bumper to bumper traffic. (It'* a Connecticut thing. We don't know how we do it, we just do. )

I suppose it'* time for a can of Seafoam and a permanent switch to 5W30. Any input on this? Or could it be a loose exhaust manifold?

If the ticking started after changing the oil, and is connected to RPM, it very well could be a bad lifter. Seafoam followed by a oil change back to 5w30 might loosen it up. If not, you may need to change the lifters.

If I've got a slow or stuck valve, wouldn't there be a shaking or a misfire?

No, not really. A weak lifter just means it'* not opening the valve all the way, then when it closes there'* a little play, that'* the tick.

looks like your changing lifters when you do your LIM gasket

Well then. This is now a thread about lifters. How involved is the process of changing a lifter?

take off LIM, take off rockers, pull out push rods, pull out lifter, assemble in the reverse process.

what kind of oil are you using? do you have good intervals between changes. you could try changing to Castrol HM. I had the same experience at about the same mileage put in Castrol HM 10/30, tick gone 3 years now not even a slight tick.

Lifters are easy. If your already changing the LIM gaskets, your right there. 2 bolts and remove the lifter guide. Then lift out the lifters. Drop in new ones and put lifter guide back on and replace the 2 bolts, done.

Plus removing the valve cover and the rockers. It'* tough to pull lifters with the rockers on da motor.

Colin.. nice thing is I have a pile of reusable rocker bolts, you'll need a set and I'll sell you a set cheap. Oh wait..I'm probably on this job huh?