rocker-to-valve gap / valve ticking

[TheRainman]

Greetings..

As a new member, I did brief search to see if I could find an answer to my problem, but I had no luck, so hear goes.

I have a '94 Grand Prix with 3.1L V6 (type M engine I believe, the later of the 2 types, T and M). I am experiencing loud ticking coming from my engine compartment. It sounded like it was originating from inside the valve cover, so I decided to remove it and have a look at my rockers and pushrods and such.

I noticed that on several of my un-compressed valves, there was quite a large gap between my rocker and valve (or rocker and pushrod..). I could wiggle the rockers quite a bit, in other words. I do not have a feeler gauge set, but I would estimate about 1/4 inch gap.

I can't imagine this is normal. I checked the bolts that hold the rocker, and they were all tight. I removed some of the pushrods and they looked alright (not bent), nor did they look worn on either end.

Is there any way I can adjust my rocker arm downward to help take up the slack, or is this being caused by a different problem altogether?

MUCH thanks to any who offer some words of wisdom.

Cheers...

[TheRainman]

Well... I posted this identical question on clubgp.com forums, and a few indicated that it may be lifter colapse. It was also indicated that the rockers cannot be adjusted, so lifter colapse would be the only likely source of a changed dimension resulting in an increased gap between my pushrod / valves.

Does anyone here agree with this notion?

Many thanks..

[The Burning Rom]

I agreew with that notion..as does my dad who I showed this thread to. But that's a lot of collapsed lifters! The only way to tell is to take the intake off and check. Good luck!