Engine ticking. Edit: Found the culprit !!

[artificer]

I agree with Gindi that the tappets are domed & designed to turn. Also most cams have a slight angle to the face which is what facilitates the domed tappet [cam] follower turning.
In service the cam wears slight corners on the face & when parts are mismatched when replaced accelerated wear & noise can result.
Also it is not uncommon to see tappets removed with a groove worn through their centre as they have not been turning & this can also caused a noise not unlike what Elwood is talking of.
Sounds like he needs to be looking @ both the cam follower [tappet] & the cam lobe related to that valve.

[Ben Dover]

There are also instances when the valve seats have been reground enough times that the springs will not be under sufficient compression. Professional automotive machine shops have varying thickness shims and guage sets to determine the correct number of shims to return the springs to their proper installed height and compression.
Felix, this may be your problem.

[ElwoodJayBlues]

I'll tell you what I do:

I'll put the jeep back together and just drive it.

But thank you for all your tips and hints!

[Ben Dover]

Good idea.

[echelon1]

Echelon, as I wrote here:

There are no dents in the valve adjusting screws, they all have a shiny surface.


EJB

And there is no play between valve and guide, I did the test you mentioned (compressing spring and remove the clips) on all eight valves, as I checked the valve tappet surface on all eight.

EJB, not sure if you understand what am trying to say.
I have never mentioned the adjusting screws, you came up with the screws and a lot of reply's have been followed how to adjust the tappet clearance.
It is obvious that the noise is no valve tappet clearance noise, and it is confirmed and definitive no tapet clearance noise.
Am talking about the tappets or lobe followers.
You can not see them without removing the oil pan.
And still, you might need a trained eye to see the damadge with the cam still in situ.

I'll tell you what I do:

I'll put the jeep back together and just drive it.

But thank you for all your tips and hints!

Sounds like you are frustrated here.
No need for frustration, you have gone through a lot of hassle and you are about to put the finger on the wound.
Don't give up and do what needs to be done.

Gindi.

[echelon1]

Good idea.

Ben Dover, you are surprising me all the time!
Most of the time you have very interesting coments and information, but now you make me scratch my hairless head again...

Gindi

[artificer]

There are also instances when the valve seats have been reground enough times that the springs will not be under sufficient compression. Professional automotive machine shops have varying thickness shims and guage sets to determine the correct number of shims to return the springs to their proper installed height and compression.
Felix, this may be your problem.

Without doing a top [valve] overhaul how would you suggest the springs be checked as we have been told many times you can't get the spring out unless the valve is removed.
It would be cheaper & best to replace springs, if in doubt.
They are very inexpensive & readily available.
It is doubtful, a spring or valve pocketing is the issue when Felix could stop the noise by merely handling the tappet follower.
Please no more pillar to post stuff, you'll have us all dizzy & confused.

[Ben Dover]

John, you are not listening, this may be a bit over your head as it is done by professional automotive machinists. Remember, each time a valves is ground, the installed height (length) of the valve springs is a bit longer which reduces the compression exerted by the valve spring, which in turn reduces the tension on the valve and its ability to seal. After multiple valve grinds, the compression of the valve spring should be restored by precise measurement with a gage and the installation of valve spring shims. This can also be remedied by replacing the valve seat. There is machine shop procedure for restoring insufficient valve spring compression in relation to height. Many automotive machine shops provide this service.