Chrysler: Tappet Noise

I felt sure the noise coming from underneath the "rocker box" was tappet
noise. However, I have had both boxes off, taken away the lifter system and
examined it ..... everything appears to be OK! I was wondering if the noise
that I hear could be anything else or whether I might be missing something
here.

It is a "tap-tap-tap" noise that increases with engine speed ..... it is
quite loud on idle and gets worse on speed up. Any ideas would be
gratefully received
Thanks in advance
Tony

Reminds me of an exhaust leak I had once on my '88 3.0L. The rear exhaust
manifold was cracked and the sound was a tap tap sound that matched engine
rpms and got louder under load. A mechanics stethescope or like tool would
be helpful to isolate the source of the tapping.

BTW, the "rocker boxes" are called valve covers.

"Tony Brennan" <sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:aBvib.12069$nbnet.nb.ca... 
and 
noise