Hearing a tick, dont think its the lifters. My guess is a bent push rod. Anyone know how hard it is to replace a push rod with a...not bent one?

 

You might want to put the valve cover back on too

 

Take them all out and roll them on some glass or soemthing flat. you'll be able to tell if its bent or not. Check to see if its just a loose rocker arm, however, its uncommon for a rocker arm to loosen if its never been off before.

 

There's quite a few more steps to removing the pushrods than what's been mentioned so far----no flame to the previous replies, we all get so familiar with these kinds of jobs it's easy to forget the little "tricks"!! There's the AIR system that requires careful prying to keep the gasket re-usable; the fuel lines on the driver's side that needs to be purged and disconnected; best short-cut around the coil pack situation; torque values when replacing the rockers and valve cover bolts---don't play games with aluminum hardware!!!.... etc. etc.
A simple Haynes manual will cost you less than $20 almost anywhere and covers this job with pretty good detail. I don't know for sure that you wouldn't figure SOME of this stuff out yourself....I'm just attempting helpfulness by giving you the clue to be as familiar with the job as possible before you lift a single tool to your new baby!!!! (new 1998 baby, that is)

When you're prepared to do this job----it's a FUN breeze!!!!

 

Well I appreciate the heads up. I did some work, not much, on my old VR4 so I am not all that mechanically inclined. But anyway, I think I will still go pick up one of those manuals. Or maybe a chilton (sp?) book for the baby. Sounds like these push rods can get screwed up pretty easy, dont want to have to take it to a dealer everytime. Was quoted 200+ for the task. BS. Anyone know where I could purchase one? I guess I could always try a generic auto parts store. But seriously, thanks again.