Ticking noise caused by worn valve tips?.

[tartilla]

There is no doubt that these heads are very complex.

It really makes me appreciate the simplicity of the LS pushrod design. Though, they're getting pretty complex now too. Direct injection, cylinder deactivation, cam phasing etc.

With a hydraulic lifter, it's odd that the valve step would get hammered like that. Could the lifter have collapsed, and the lash created be the issue?

Spare heads for parts are relatively cheap, it's the effort getting them on and off. Not to mention guide work on 32 guides....and then valve work.