Johnsoline

'87 4wd with stock 22R.

Valvetrain noise on startup, loudest noise coming from exhaust valve 3. Sound goes away gradually and finally quits when engine is fully warm. I've put on an LCE dual-row timing kit 15k miles ago and I've done several valve adjustments to try to get it to shut up but it's still clangling on. It doesn't seem like an oil pressure issue and I've taken it all over the country and the problem hasn't gotten better or worse. I've got an oil filter and made sure the anti-drainback valve is in there. The valve lifters don't seem to have any play on their axis, and so I'm at a loss. At one point one of the valves got really loud for about 30 seconds then stopped. Maybe the adjustment screws are worn out?

Tims86Toy

If you're positive that it's the valves making noise then it sounds like oil starvation. Did you check your oil pickup tube? It maybe clogged or it may be loose. What does the oil pressure do? Steady or fluctuating?

But I would also check for exhaust manifold leaks at start up. The leak could gradually close up as the manifold gets hot and swells the gap closed. Start it cold and run your hand, or a long stem lighter, around the manifold looking for leaks. Don't forget about the collector either.

Blueman

Are you sure it's valvetrain noise? It might be piston-slap like many others of us experience. Does the noise vary with load? I find my piston slap noise will happen mostly between 2000-3000 RPM with very light load on the engine and only for the first 5 minutes of operation or so. Add load (depress throttle) and the sound goes away.