I removed the driver side valve cover. The rockers are stock and may have never been touched before. I had a bad ticking about 1/4 of the way from the front and i believe it is from under the cover. I shook the rockers and 5 of the 8 have some movement and 3 are solid as a rock. I have never even taken a valve cover off so how do i know if they need lashed or whatever? Is the movement normal or is it wear from the 100k miles? There seems to be a lot of noise so what exactly should i be listening for or looking to see if something is bent or not?

 

It's normal for rockers that aren't being pushed by the cam/lifter/pushrod to have some play to them. Remember only some of your rockers are under load at any one time due to the position of the cam. Start the engine with the valve cover off (might want to put tin foil over the exhaust in case there's oil squirting) and isolate the sound. Ticking can also come from an exhaust manifold leak.

 

I thought i had a valve ticking.but it was my exaust manifold.the way i checked was i waited until it was dark,popped the hood started the car,and reved it up a few times,at the throttle body.and i could see the fire of the back exaust port.hope this helps