Thanks for all of the replies.
I have an update. some improvement.
I have used a product called 'Rislone' engine treatment with great success on several older engines over the years (daily drivers with 100k plus miles on them). So, I put a bottle into this engine, let it idle a while (can't drive it on the road yet - not registered), and the noise is about 50% of what it was before. that is pretty good for a $7 product.
This product claims to quiet noisy lifters and valves, so I think the replies to this thread that mention lifters and valves as a possible issue are right since the engine is a bit quieter now after the Rislone. still clickety clackety to some degree, but noticeably quieter and also a little smoother.
I am happy with that for now, but going forward:
how does one do a valve adjustment, or adjustment of the valve lash (or is that the same thing)? is there a good post on the procedure(s)?
thanks again
