The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Ticking Clicking, but only sometimes

One quick item to check would be the heat riser valve in the exhaust manifold, the sheet metal flap can come loose causing odd noises.

Before pulling the engine apart, use a long stick and place it on the timing cover and the other end up to your ear, then hold the throttle open. You should be able to hear the chain hit the cover pretty clearly.

Joe