The original engine in my 1987 coupe Gt 2.2 Kv (87k) did make an odd tappet ticking noise, replaced the oil and no change, replaced all the hydraulic lifters, that helped a little but the odd single tick or double tick was still there, the head was in getting new valve guides and skimmed as I had removed it to port the head and found valve guide ware on the exhaust guides, the old school guy that I use said looks like you have some lifter ware, I found this odd because he only had the bare head, no cam, valves, springs or lifters, I started to question him on his comment and he turned the head on its side and pointed to the holes in the head the lifters fit into round the valve stem and springs, there he said, you can see the ware in two or three of them as the colour was a shade different to the others, He explained this is not a big problem it will only get nosier over time but the engine will still run, a new head wound be best solution, he also suggested big bore exhaust or louder stereo. Joking aside all these engine are getting old now and may be getting past their sell by date, you will never get a 25-30 year old engine to run as smooth and as sweet as a modern one, some times you just have to love the old girl for all her little faults.
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