I have an 81 camaro. I just built a new motor for it. 11-1 350 with rebuilt double hump heads. I have had a tap every since the first time I started the car and I can't get it to go away. I tried adjusting the lash a bunch of times. I even put new lifters in it with no luck. the tap is still coming from around the #8 cyl. I have swaped the stock rockers back on and moved the push rods around, but the tap still comes from the same spot. The engine has about 500 miles on it and the tap starts once a little warmed up. Header gaskets are good, I know it's not an exhaust leak. Oil is coming from all the push rods. I am not sure what else to do? get the heads checked?
any help is appreciated

 

How much lift on the cam, possible one guide is getting hit by the bottom of the retainer? Coil bind? I've also seen rebuilt (bronze) guides fail not too long after startup, result is tapping noise that is hard to find unless you eyeball each one with a flashlight looking thru the spring coils. Also did you check that a too long bolt didn't end up in the middle position of the intake manifold? If so, it can contact the pushrod right under it.

 

the cam is a comp magnum 292h 501in/501ex lift
how can I check the guides? It only does it when it warms up, so I don't think it's spring bind or something hitting the pushrod.

 

You look thru the valve spring coils with a flashlight. The brass insert can somtimes break thru the supporting cast iron of the factory guide material allowing the valve to move around.

 

ok, i'll check that out, should I do it while it's running too?

 

No, if it's busted it will be obvious with the engine off.

 

did you adjust the valves with it running?
do it and see if the taping changes, I had one one time with a bad guide , like angel said, I found it when I adjusted them as it was running. what it is is exhaust coming through the guide
mine wasnt broke it was just wore out