Tightening Rocker arms (noise in engine?)

[chinusta]

so this morning while driving to work I heard a faint ticking in the engine. I didn't stop and opened the hood to listen, but what I heard was not there before. If i gave it gas, the ticking sped up, and slowed down at idle. I have no idea what it could be, doesn't sound like my car is going to explode, in fact I think I might be the only one to notice it only because I know that it wasn't there before.... what could it be? I have never worked on an engine before. I have been around people that do though. Could it be a lifter or a rocker arm? and if i do tighten them do I have to get it on top dead center and do it one by one?? should I worry about the noise at all? I also know that adding ATF will quiet down the lifters, but I don't know if I should do that.

[sumran]

There are several things that can cause the noise you describe. Your engine likely has hydraulic lifters and the rockers shouldn't need adjustment unless something has changed recently. An exhaust leak would be high on my list of suspected causes, especially if you have headers. I would buy lunch for a wiley old mechanic with a trained ear. They usually enjoy a challenge.

[chinusta]

sadly this is the answer that I was expecting... not the one I wanted though. hahaha. Im gonna have to wait on upholstering my split bench seat...

[crazeetxn]

I'm with the header on this one. Not much to replacing them...or even just going out and tightening down on the bolts a little.

[Hotrodrobert]

Header leaks will increase with acceleration, decrease on decel.
You didn't say what engine you have but if it is injected, you may be just hearing the injectors tick when they fire.
If that is not it, the valves practically NEVER loosen on a stock engine and if you have a ticking valve, you almost certainly will need major repairs like a cam an lifters