175,000 miles. The ticking noise started last winter, went away over the summer, and came back this winter.

I pulled the */c and LIM (gasket needed changing anyway) and found the lifters were all gummed up with crud. I change my oil on a regular basis, but I guess that isn't good enough. I soaked all the lifters to clean them, cleaned the valley up and put it back together (with new aluminum LIM gaskets). Ticking noise is still there. I put seafoam in yesterday, and will do an oil change in a day or so. If the ticking noise is still there, I will put in new lifters.

If I get to that point, we can have a little discussion on what lifters I should buy.... AC Delco or Comp Cam.

Check on your rockers first. Did you use reusable rocker bolts or did you reuse the stock bolts?

I re-used the stock bolts. The reason I think its a lifter is the ticking goes away as the engine warms up. Should I be buying new bolts?

Stock bolts are torque to yield, so are not reusable. Get new bolts and see if that corrects the problem.

I've had to resuse bolts before. If it'* the bolts, I'd think the ticking would not change as the lifter pumps up.

A lifter is really like a pump with built in check valve.

If the seafoam doesn't work, I'll buy new bolts when I put the new lifters in. Rock Auto?

I have a set of stock lifters if your interested.

What mileage on the lifters Dan?

By the way (a little off topic), in researching all this I came across a site that has the best schematics and part number listings I have seen on the internet. Take a look at www.compnine.com. You guys probably already know about this, but this is the first time I have seen that site. I was able to look up part numbers for lifters, rocker arm bolts, and an air pump hose I need for my Trans Am by looking at the schematics.

A bit over 100k. The engine has a spun bearing. The lifters look to be in perfect condition. $50 shipped