[Bullet Whisperer]

Let's assume you have no play at the inlet pushrod when at TDC compression, cold. To eliminate any chance the inlet valve is just clipping the piston on the overlap TDC, put a small amount of slack in this pushrod adjuster - say 0.005" - 0.010" and run the engine again. If the noise is gone [or quieter], the valve and piston have been just touching. If the noise gets louder, it is a valve clearance issue. You fitted a set of used second hand cams - what sort of condition were they in - any obvious signs of wear or damage?
 B.W.

[tooseevee]

i took the top hat out. i put it in tdc and tightened it to the right point.

             How are you finding TDC? Do you have a foolproof method? Do you have a TDC tool? (screws into spark plug hole). Have you really perfected your your push rod adjuster locknut tightening technique? If you don't do it just right, tightening the locknut can change the adjustment.   

[armando_chavez]

i tightened them to the point where i felt there was no up or down play while still being able to spin the rods freely

[tooseevee]

i tightened them to the point where i felt there was no up or down play while still being able to spin the rods freely

                    If you're answering my post #17 (it's hard to tell when you don't quote anything; your answer just hangs out there with no question to refer to) I don't think that's what I asked you.

[armando_chavez]

i was answering High Octanes post.  I used a wooden dowl and marked the highest point. i might get that  tool it seems pretty handy.

[armando_chavez]

Also the cams were rated at 6/10 on hitchcocks.  Im guessing thats slightly above average.  As far as i could tell the cams were all there.  they looked fine to me. 

[Adrian II]

One thing I have noticed about second-hand "S" cams, whether from Hitchcock's or the set I picked up on eBay a few weeks ago, is that the bronze bushes can be worn. While they can look OK, if they're sloppy on the spindles that won't help to keep the clatter down, and might be enough to cause the rattle you didn't have before when using cams with un-worn bushes. Attempting to adjust the cam gear lash under those circumstances won't quieten it down.  As you say you have done everything else as per instructions, that's where I'd look next.

Not a huge problem if that is the case, you need a new set of cam bushes, some way of pressing the old ones out and the new ones in, and a 5/8" reamer.

Good hunting.

A.

[barenekd]

It's the valves. Might need to be tightened up a little but they're not bad. Probably not more than a thou off.
Bare