well now...

if it is ticking and it is the lifter/rocker assembly that means there is some kind of gap. weither it be from the hydraulic unit collasping or the rocker gettin a bit of a divet on the cam lobe area it's a real issue that should be addressed. it won't heal itself so the only place to go is downhill.

now i'm not kidding about the cost. the element is only about 20 or 22 bucks and the valve cover gasket is less than 10 bucks. if i remember right you only need 2 sockets to do the job. one for the valve cover and 1 for the comp element. now i'm such a tool nut that when ever i do this kind of work i either buy the special tools or make them myself. now i wouldn't bet my life but when i replaced the old elements with new every one of them came out as on spec as the manuals calls out. so the only tool you might have to get is the valve spring compressor which you probably can get loaned free from say autozone or rent one from perf products.

so IMHO if its broke which it sounds very likely it needs to be fixed. if for no other reason than to keep your sanity and to keep you from putting your fist into the dash.

well i just looked at your post again and "he wasn't too concerned about replacing..." made me think of "you can pay me now or pay me EVEN MORE later."

good luck!!! let me know how this puppy comes out!

__________________
Thanks Much!
Craig

1972 350sl Red/Blk 117k
1988 420sel charcoal/Blk 140k
1987 420sel gold/tan 128k
See My Cars at:http://mysite.verizon.net/res0aytj/index.html

Pound it to fit then Paint it to match!

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