tick tick tick coming from engine

[HuskyMan]

recently installed new valve stem seals, new valve springs and new locking
cap nuts on the 1984 300DT. when the engine starts, I hear a tick tick tick/
tap tap tap sound. removed the air cleaner thinking it might be the
air cleaner. no luck, and with the air cleaner removed, the tick tick tick
became much LOUDER. placed my hand over the air intake with the
engine running and the tick tick tick quieted down a lot. took my mechanic's
stethoscope and listened to various positions on the valve cover. it
appears to be loudest somewhere around the #2 cylinder. my mechanic
suggested adjusting the valves while the engine is HOT. so....that is
what I am going to do.

when I installed the valve stem seals, I checked each one and used
a special tool to "seat" the seal. I then installed the new valve springs
along with the locking cap nuts. hopefully, I didn't screw something
up during the install process but anything is possible.