How should I tackle this?

[Heavyjp]

I have that tick-tick noise and it's very loud. It's on the drivers side. Should I take off the valvecover and try and tighten it down more?
OR just change the parts on a 96,000 mile engine?

[J10/J20 Project]

Does it go away as the engine heats up?
It could be an exhaust leak.

[Heavyjp]

It goes away a little, but as soon as I get on it it comes back. I hit Autozone and bought some lubricant for the noises. I don't think this will help much, but I'll see when I do the oil change tomorrow. What else can I try?
And would thightening the valvespring bolts help?

[Elliott]

Your lifters are non-adjustable hydralic type, you don't adjust them like solid lifters. Only thing to tighten in there is the rocker arms, wouldn't hurt to check 'em if the lube don't free a sticky lifter.
If you're under the valve cover, rotate the engine while you can watch and look for valves that are sticking open.
Lucky you if it's just a lifter 'cause you can usually get them to free up.

[Heavyjp]

Good deal! I'll have a go at it tomorrow. She hasn't been running for a while due to me changing out the 4-barrel and going back to the stocker 2-barrel. I took her for a test run earlier and I forgot how fast that 2-barrel can get her to go. Just trying to get ready for the WINTER!

[Joe Guilbeau]

Disconnect the pipes to the exhaust header, and loosen up the drivers side.

Torque down the exhaust manifold, and reconnect the pipes.