So, just completed an engine rebuild on my 99 SL1. There was ticking before the rebuild but I figured it was due to one of my rods having some play. Well, now it is louder and I can tell it is coming from the head. I just ordered all new lifters but can't find valve springs or arms anywhere. Does anyone know where to find any other than junk yards? I've only put new parts in my rebuild and don't want to start now. Also, any tips for replacing the lifters? I hope I can replace them with the head still in the car since ive already had to take it off like 4 times in the last 2 months. I read some where that the lifters need to face the passenger side? Is that true?

 

That ticking is the signature sound of an S-Series engine. All 500,000 miles for my two s cars have included that ticking. Doesn't seem to do a damn bit of harm. These engines are rough but they hold up if you take care of them.
Did you allow long enough after you reassembled everything for oil to fully fill in seeing as they are hydraulic lifters?

 

Yeah, I've let it get to temp, drove around hitting the whole rpm range, etc. I wouldn't be worried if it wasn't so loud compared to what is sounded like before

 

Always a chance they are defective, wrong part, etc
or the lifters may be clogged up and not compressing when the cam lobe comes by leading to a somewhat solid contact. You'd have to pull the valve cover and see if they are compressing properly.
also, did you use a complete new timing kit and torque things down to spec? New chain tensioner and oiler?

Could it be chain noise against one of the guides?

​​ they are supposedly a bitch to clean.

 

Did you mark the lifters or keep them in order when you removed them and put them back in the same hole they came out of? My Dad had me ALWAYS keep my lifters and pushrods in order so I could put them back exactly where they came out. That's on engines where I wasn't installing a new camshaft, pushrods or lifters. If you didn't put them back where they came from, the wear pattern could be what's causing the extra noise. If that's the case, I'd just replace them all with new and be done with it. You do that and the tick is still loud, you may have a slightly cracked valve or valve seat. That would mean pulling the head to check that, though.

 

To answer all questions, I did get a whole new timing chain/guides/tensioner and torqued to spec. When I removed the lifters to replace the valves, I did mark where they went and which way they were facing.
But, I just replaced all the lifters and there is no ticking! Engine rebuild is complete other than a coolant line I'm waiting on.

 

Good news, almost a complete car!

 

All righty, then. Sounds like you did a great job!